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…
Ruthie says
To repeat what I said when you were so busy, busy, busy beyond imagination trying to get the showhouse finished and your home ready for baby Teddy: Just go do what you need to and don’t worry about us. We are big girls and boys and we will still be here when you get back. ;)
Libby Gooden says
So very happy for you welcoming Teddy and all the wonderful things that are happening for you right now. Of course I am very disappointed to hear of your reduction in blog postings but I do understand. You are the one blog that I read consistently because you are consistent. I know that every day of the week I can sit down at 10am and check the latest. I haven’t actually done any of the projects that you have on your blog nor do I have small children any more but each day but I could count on an update that was interesting, worthwhile to read and kept me coming back for more. That is the challenge in blogging, some dabble and as a reader you lose interest because you don’t know when they are planning to post and I don’t have time to keep track.
My daughter is just putting herself out there with a blog and that is the one piece of advice I gave her as a reader – be consistent. Post with a plan so that your readers can count on you. I’ll still check each day in hopes that you are posting the 5 days but I do understand that it may be 3. Just know that your posts were a nice little pick me up that I looked forward to each morning.
As my daughter is 19, I have often told her to read your blog to see what a great example of a young family just starting out and how to get it all done – personal goals, business goals. Wishing you all the best and much blogging ahead.
Sammy says
Also, I just have to add, the photo of you and your kids in the hospital bed is gorgeous! Your smile is amazing, and you are so pretty with your hair down and no make up. It looks like such a personal and intense moment… thanks for making me smile back at the computer screen and all the best for your future :-)
Meghan says
Good. For. You!
I have been a very loyal reader for 3+ years now and you don’t even know it because I’ve never commented. But I have shared your site with many many many friends and family as a great resource for all things home. I’ve always been inspired by the way you’ve turned a passion into a successful work-from-home business. Sometimes I had a hard time keeping up with every one of your posts, so 3-5/week will be more manageable for me to keep up with too! Glad to hear you’ll keep it going to some extent because we search your site for guidance and tutorials before tackling any home project on our own. You all keep things real, simple, affordable and light-hearted. And this decision of yours is real – and a really good one at that. You have your priorities strongly in tact, and I’d venture to say you’ll be rewarded yet again for putting your family first. I’ve been so impressed by the spin-off opportunities you all have garnered through the blog; I’m confident your career(s) will continue through some connection you’ve made through yhl.com.
Now go love on that baby boy and forget about all of us for a little while. You need a maternity leave too, you know. Just like the rest of us. Congrats again!
Ashley says
Good for y’all!! Congrats on baby #2!
enybe says
I admire your decision! We are always trying to focus on what’s really important in life! What else is more important than family?
I will keep reading.
Kaesey says
Good for you! You’ll probably never make it through the 1000+ comments to this one, but if you do, I just want to say that I’ll keep reading and I will be happy to see your family posts and miscellaneous chit-chat. With one child in kindergarten and one just turned four, I can say that childhood FLIES by and you don’t want to miss it for a blog post or yet another advertiser. Frankly, I’m trying to step back and away from a corporate job for very similar reasons. No time like the present!
Allison says
Hello! Long time reader, first time commenter. I think it’s wonderful that you’re taking a step back, and I look forward to reading your less-frequent posts. Additionally, I just wanted to say thank you for being a little bright spot in my morning. You have a lovely way of writing… upbeat and sunny while simultaneously being honest about worries, imperfections, etc. Enjoy your little ones! (I have two myself, and know how amazing and overwhelming it can all be!)
Lynn Raye says
So happy for you guys!!!!
xoxoxo
Deb says
You guys are awesome parents. I think it’s safe to say, we’re not going anywhere! :)
Lisa says
I think what you are planning to do is wonderful, it is courageous. It is probably something more people should be doing – enjoying rather than watching. On vacation, I have to remember to be in the moment rather than just watching it through the camera lens. I think too often we get the message that we should want more and do more so that we can have more. So, bravo for taking the stand for what is most important to you. I for one (and many others, I’m sure) won’t be going anywhere … except maybe to be present in my own life a little more.
Lauren says
I’ve been wondering how long you guys would keep up the amazing (but exhausting!) pace you’ve been at for the past couple of years. Congratulations on this healthy and balanced decision — and on your beautiful new babe! Don’t worry for a minute about losing your readership. People appreciate blogs that they can relate to, that mirror the life they want to live, and I think we all seek to do better at prioritizing the things that are really important. Relax and do what feels good to you — the rest will follow. :-)
Karah @ thespacebetweenblog says
Such a beautiful post! What a wonderful time of life for you guys right now. Enjoy every minute!!
Jess says
I’ve read this blog for many years and this post brought me to tears. I was always fascinated by how you guys kept feeding the masses with your creativity and open look into your lives. We’re undeserving; we simply stop by and watch and you willing ly share. I am so happy you made this decision for yourselves and of course I will continue to enjoy any and all posts, whenever they appear. You were too kind to begin with, opening your lives to a bunch of strangers and sharing so much. Keep up the good work (however that takes shape) and hope you guys stick around! Love from Minneapolis!!!
Laurie says
Good for you guys! You have realized at a young age what life is truly about. You will have no regrets.
Elaine says
Great testimony to keeping balance in your life/family! I think it’s something we all struggle with and I’m sure it’s a decision you will not regret.
Yalanda says
Congrats on baby Teddy (I know this is delayed!), but I’m so happy for you! Making life choices that are right for your family is all that matters! I look forward to seeing more family posts! Those are fun to read too!
Beth says
You guys are amazing and I’m cheering you on. Your blog is a part of my own balance-finding in life and I’ll always be here reading it no matter how infrequently you post.
Yalanda says
I also wanted to say that, while I do not know you personally, you seem to be two of the most level headed, down to earth, not letting fame go to our heads, type of people who have graced the blogging world! If I could give you a high five or a hug, I totally would!
Sara says
That’s a very sensible thing to do. You were definitely burning the candle at both ends for a while now and just picking up speed. I could sense the level of stress coming out in your writing and post choices. Nobody ever expected you to do this. We’ll always be looking for more, but that doesn’t mean you alone have to fill our daily quota of interesting DIY blog reads. Enjoy your babies. :)
Kristen says
I’m a recent subscriber but love, love, love taking time every day to check out what’s new on your site. This post, however, has to be one of my very favorites. Wishing your family all the best. Excited to keep reading—when you have a second to post, that is. :)
Margaret says
Good! You guys can’t keep burning the candle at both ends. And the middle.
mp says
Love y’all, best decision, and I’m not going anywhere.
Sue says
Family is what it’s all about Baby ;)
Good, wholesome decision. I will be following along just as I have for the past five years. Almost feel like you guys are family :)
Congratulations on all counts!
Jill Stigs says
Good for you! It is your life. It’s your home.
So much snark happening on comments lately, I have to wonder who pissed in their cherrios every morning.
And as for your family size, I did one and done and don’t regret it at all (she’s almost 16 now). Your 2 precious children are healthy and that is the best thing.
I will be along for the ride, love seeing family stuff right along with home stuff. Keep doing what you are doing. It’s all good!
Tracy says
Best decision you could make. It’ll be a pleasure to read anything you can get posted. I read many blogs, but yours has inspired me to love my house and try to fix it up to the best of my ability (which isn’t much, unfortunately). This summer I’m going to take off all the luon doors in the hallway and buy six panel ones and paint them-I NEVER would have considered doing it myself before you did it. My youngest just turned 19 and the time just keeps speeding by. Slow down, read aloud and enjoy your wonderful family. I look forward to the new “you”.
Jamie B says
Family First! I think you guys totally have the right idea here. Plus, I have a feeling you’ll be able to get more projects done. Less time blogging, more time snuggling (and occasionally working)!
Jesse says
I think this is great, post when you want to/HAVE something to post vs. feeling to pressure to post post post. Everyone will still read, and I’m sure in the world of Pinterest you’ll still get tons of new traffic since many of your past projects have been pinned. Great choice!
Plus, if many readers are like me, I get your updates in my email, so regardless of how often you post, I still get to see :)
Valere J. says
Good for ya’ll!! I actually think fewer posts will produce higher quality posts. <–said honestly, not to be rude…less really is more sometimes. I was starting to get worried that ya'll were overworking yourselves. Hooray for more family time!! I just have one MUST HAVE that I have to see…the blogiversary video!!! Please don't give that up. ;)
Paula S. says
So happy for and, dare I say, proud of you guys! I’m even a bit jealous because I would like to majorly rearrange my family life so I could spend more time with my kids, but my husband isn’t on board.
AMK says
For as long as you blog, I will keep coming back! :) I’ve been reading your blog for many years now, and I always look forward to your posts! Family is SO important, and I am so glad you are making adjustments to do what is best for y’all. Whether it is one post a week or 7, there are tons of us that just can’t wait to read whatever y’all are willing to share:) Enjoy time with your new little one! :)
brett says
So great that you guys are empowered to make such a tough choice (it is hard to fight the mantra of “more”)! Let me be the big bad – I will miss the regular posts. Don’t swing too far in the other direction – you gotta share a little love with us every day!
sharon says
Congratulations your little family is now complete. In some ways I’m sorry your blog will be less frequent but on the other hand pleased. Every night I feel I have to look in to see what you guys are up to. Now I can get busy at home doing or over seeing the hubbys DIY. I have the ideas he has the skills (ha!)
Your blog as result of this scale back will be no less interesting or complusive viewing. I Love it, keep at it and enjoy family life xxx
Karli says
Thank for all the nights, weekends, and holidays you have already dedicated to us, your readers. We really do appreciate it. But I am even more thankful for the fact that you guys are slowing down. That is an inspiration to me as well. You are right to give your priorities to your beautiful children. They need you more than we do.
Congrats on this decision.
Jill says
Good for you! I’m so glad you two decided to “cut yourself some slack” and slow down a bit. I love this blog and can’t wait to see how you continue to transform your house, no matter what pace you decide to share it at. Enjoy your bean and bun and don’t feel guilty for one minute for slowing down.
kari says
This is a happy choice that is sure to bless you and your readers! While I love checking your blog each morning, what I value most as a reader is the quality of your posts: funny, informative, and honest. If the quantity goes down, I’m pretty certain the quality will remain. Congrats!
Kristan says
Good for you! I really wondered how you could do all the Homearama stuff, your own house stuff and then a new baby! But you did it, and beautifully, too. Of everyone I know, you definitely need a break! So congratulations on a fabulous decision to re-prioritize. Love your blog and I will continue to follow (and I’m looking forward to seeing your house at the Homearama next month)…..Best wishes to you and your family!
reyanna says
This is such WONDERFUL news!!!! :D Just last week, I was telling someone that I used to LOVE reading blogs. It was this awesome “me” time that I did daily, and I so enjoyed it. Then I stopped enjoying it. I didn’t read blogs for almost a year. I missed it. So I went back to reading blogs for like… a week. And guess what? I discovered *why* didn’t like it…
People were no longer blogging what *they* wanted to anymore. Less family stuff was on their blogs, and it became more of a business venture. I get that. I do. Times are changing, and blogging is a great way for some people to make an income. ONLY if it still makes them happy and is still giving them what they want out of life. I so appreciated that you guys never were “sellouts” (mentioning you guys don’t take lots of swag), and I admire you so much for that!
Even with the creation of Young House Life, I still enjoyed your posts, but I’m SO happy that it will be back to one blog… and seeing you guys really enjoy your kids… well, that’s priceless. :) My kids are almost 3 and almost 1, respectively), and the time goes by way too fast.
I look forward to continue to read your blog! Thank you SO much for being real with us, and congratulations on your new addition! :)
Danielle says
I think it is fantastic that you guys are able to make these changes! I have loved checking in on your blog for years. I hope you both feel as settled about this decision after reading through all of your supportive comments.
Any decision you make with your families best interests at heart is never a bad one!
Meagan says
You guys have always been such trail blazers in this online community and I admire your willingness to make decisions for your business and your family by remaining true to your values! My husband and I always remind ourselves of the old adage “no one ever sits on their death bed wishing they had…spent more time working/bought a bigger house/had beautiful wood floors etc.” Being content with what we have (even if it isn’t as much as the “Jones'”) and taking the time to enjoy our little family are our daily goals. It’s not always easy but it’s something to keep striving for! Best of luck to you as you begin this next journey of yours! Congrats!
Laurie says
That is so wonderful! After I had my first baby in December, I decided to leave a job I love to spend time with my daughter. It’s meant some changes for my husband and I, but it is so worth it. Enjoy the sweetness of your beautiful kiddos!
Kelsey says
Yay, so happy for you. You’ve provided lovely inspiration day to day for so many and you should be incredibly proud. Such a blessed family. Enjoy your time and we’ll all be excited whenever the posts manage to be published :)
XOXO!
natalie says
I have to tell you guys that your blog is the only one that I still follow regularly these days, largely because you are so family oriented and I always come away from your posts feeling like there are still people who value family relationships as much as I do.
I am so happy you have the will and financial ability to not have to choose between family time and excessive work schedules. I have young kids too and am a work-at-home mom who struggles daily to find this balance.
I believe your blog will continue to be one of the best! Best wishes to you all!
bridget b. says
good for you guys! you deserve it. enjoy those babies!
Anne says
Congratulations! I have been reading for years, and am in the camp of relieved by a slower pace. I’d rather sit and read a couple of full posts a week than be behind and skimming things. Everyone who follows you guys wants you to be happy and enjoy kids time!
Susan says
Good for you! I’ll be following regardless of the amount of new posts. With two kids in their 20’s now, I can appreciate how quickly it all goes. I wonder if you will be scaling back your actual home improvements as well. It’s nice to enjoy the results of some of your projects and not be constantly jumping into the next one. Blessings to your beautiful family. Enjoy making the memories.
Stephanie G says
Many, many blessings Petersick’s! Our first baby was born several months before Clara (also a girl) and our little man last summer. This year with two has been incredibly humbling until I realized – less is more. I’ve bid good riddance to many of my internet happenings and am more content to not be keeping up with the Joneses. I never saw that coming for you (for now) but it’s well deserved! I’ve been following your blog since 2007 and love you like family! Sincerely enjoy your time!
J. Bagley says
I’ve appreciated your delightful selves since 2008. I’ll still be here checking in for sure. Love to your sweet family!
Lisa says
I totally respect your decision. You are both wise beyond your years it seems.
Food for thought….one of the things I loved most about your blog was that it was guaranteed daily! Unless you posted something like “Gone on vacation…see you next week”.
I found it disappointing to come to your site this morning and find yesterday’s post. I would have been more satisfied if I found a brief post like “John’s working on assembling that lumber he picked up yesterday”. I would have been totally satisfied with that and come back tomorrow. But now I’ll probably either check back throughout the day to see if you post something later. Or maybe I’ll lose my “habit” of coming here daily. I’m guessing this will still be a “business” for you, so I thought the input might help as you re-evaluate.
And I’d have to say I am AMAZED at the time you must put into approving your comments and replying – that HAS to take a lot of your time. And it is so much less interesting than just reading your daily post. Maybe you could put a limit on the comments you’ll approve and reply to daily? (on that note, do not reply to my comment, or approve mine for that matter, feel free to start here)
Good luck whatever you decide. If I do lose my “habit” I am sure I’ll stop in periodically anyway. I love your DIYing and creativity and humour and thriftiness….
LeslieP says
Congrats on doing what’s best for you and not what others think is best for you. I know I will still be a loyal reader and fan, no matter how often you post. Mazel tov on the birth of Teddy – he’s adorable.