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…
Skye says
I usually don’t post messages, but I love your blog and I love your message. Family should always come first. I have been following ya’lls blog for awhile now and it has changed my life. haha I know that may sound weird but before I came across your blog i was a bored stay at homer. After reading your blog posts I got inspired and have been getting my butt off the couch more and more. I am constantly inspired by your team work and look forward to many amazing home projects. I just really wanted to say thank you. So….THANK YOU!
Anna says
Superbly written. I’ve been following you guys for years all the way from New Zealand, and what keeps me coming back is not the regularity of your posts. It’s your honesty and “realness”. Frequency of posts won’t impact on loyalty, because you already have true credibility. I made a similar career decision for the sake of our two under 6’s, and I’ve never regretted it. I will continue to check in, even when you give me extreme DIY retail envy from an Ikea-less country!
Alaina says
I’m sure it’s very weird to tear up as I read this post, as a stranger, but your blog – you – don’t feel like strangers. It feels like a parallel of my life, and the lives of my friends, and the life I aspire to.
With young kids and dogs and a house of our own, I’ve found checking in with your blog over the past 4 years a stablising and inspiring influence.
I look at the wee faces of my almost-one-year and almost-3-year-old boys, and I mentally promise to facebook less, and facetime more. Photograph less, remember more. Work less, play more.
I look forward to seeing your updates when they happen, BFFs in my mind – and just like my BFFs in real life, I know when you’re not available it’s cos you’re immersed in the crazy, busy, high, low, incomparable rollercoaster of family life.
Heidi says
Good for you! I have read somewhere that at the end of our lives we would never look back and think “I wish I had worked more” but instead wish we had spent more time with the ones we love.
Ashley A. says
What a breathe of fresh air! Such a great post and being a long time follower I am so glad to hear you’ll be stepping away a little. We all know that you and John always take time to be with Clara, but now that your little man is here it will be so much more important! So I commend you both for taking the time to adjust now! I definitely won’t be leaving any time soon! Your inspiration to me that it’s possible even with a child to travel, do large & small home improvements, all whole keeping a 9-5 & sometimes more. So excited to see where the next 5 years takes you & where You g house Love will be at!!! Congrats again on your new bundle! Enjoy all your wonderful family time :)
Jess says
Um! I agree with everyone else! I support your decision and I think it’s wonderful. I will 1000% still be happy with whatever you do decide to post (obviously I’m addicted and check daily, and will even re-read posts for fun)… Anyways I sound creepy. You guys have been a major source for inspiration, and I think you’re beautiful people who I wish nothing but the best for! Enjoy this time! And if you learn any tips about the work-life balance, share them! I could learn a thing or two -or 50, I’m in my first year of teaching and I miss sleep:)…
Anyways. So happy for you guys and THANK YOU for all of your hard work and everything that you’ve done! Like I said before, you guys are inspirational! Xo!
Casey says
Good for you guys! Love the site and will definitely continue checking in. Enjoy your family!
melissa says
I think it’s a wonderful decision! Yay! I am so happy for you guys. It is wise to slow down and be more present for your family. The years go too fast with little ones. Good luck with your “new normal!” :)
Ashley says
Good for you! Enjoy your adorable little family!
Susie says
It’s decisions like these that make you guys who you are: real people with a real life who happen to blog for a living. And isn’t that a huge reason why you blog to begin with, to have more freedom and flexibility, better quality of life for your family. Personally, I applaud this decision wholeheartedly. Like someone else said, you’ll never regret making your family a priority and this makes you role models for all your readers.
Sarah says
Honestly, I liked the blog better back in those days anyway. I’ve been a reader since nearly the beginning. I own Envirosax, Klean Kanteens, and Bum Genius diapers because of you guys and the more “combined” blog format. :)
So happy for your family! :)
Melissa says
I’m so happy for you four! You are inspiring. I need to make a change in my life and this might be the impetus I need to do it. Will check back whenever you post. Wouldn’t quit y’all for the world. Hugs to all and kiss that baby for me!
Morgan says
Happy for you and your little family. It’s so important to take a time out and reassess. You’ll definitely be successful and sometimes less really is more!
Alexandra says
Fully support your decision. I haven’t been able to keep up with you guys at your crazy pace anyway. Plus it has started to feel like the projects are beyond me because I don’t have the time that you do for the scale of projects you do. I think if you went at a slower pace it would be even more inspiring and encouraging to some readers to DIY. Also I would like to see some more smaller projects. Some of the things you did with Cara were fun to read about. I also enjoyed a lot of your budget/do it in a couple hours projects that ended up as wall art. I hope you are able to find a great balance. One of the most inspiring things I ever read on here was your comments on “enjoying the ride” as you renovate. I sincerely hope you are able to do that!!! Less posts mean each post will be more special. Best wishes!
Rhonda says
I love reading your blog, I’m sad to see it may not be an everyday break for me at this site, but I’ll still keep checking in! and for someone that doesn’t even know you, I am sooooo happy for you to be able to make this decision and the courage to follow through. I have 2 young kids – 10 and 7, it does go by way too fast and they are so precious. Many wishes of joy, happiness, success and balance. I can’t wait to see your future projects….at a slower pace. :-)
Holly says
Oh gawd, this post made me cry (in a good way). I feel like I know you guys and I’m so happy for all of your successes. Wealth doesn’t mean anything if you can’t have your health, and that includes mental health and wellbeing. I’m at a similar juncture … working like crazy, but what for?
You guys are true inspirations and role models. Keep being awesome, and take it easy. I don’t think your fans are going anywhere.
Bethie says
So proud of you guys for doing what’s best for you and your family. I think you have your priorities right. :) Enjoy this time with your new baby boy and bigger baby girl.
Jamie says
This is why we love your blog and you guys! You truly are so down to earth and I think the real-ness you put forth makes us keep coming back…I’ll admit, I’m slightly obsessed and always reference your site or book before I start to tackle ANYTHING around the house… however, I’ve never checked in to see how many things you were doing, but just love the creativity and passion you put forth in all that you do…and you both have some pretty great humor and references that make it so much fun to read! I never thought I’d be able to DIY much, but you guys make it manageable and fun! Our daughter is just a month or so older than Clara, and thanks to you, I’ve suckered my husband into many kid projects… dollhouse & kitchen to name a few;) what a great decision for you and your family. We look forward to continuing to follow your many or few adventures. Wishing you all the best!
Kelly says
As much as I love to check daily for your posts, I will survive with a slower pace! lol. Your decision is to be admired. Take the time to enjoy your babies. My oldest is now 24 and my babies (twin boys) just turned 5. It most certainly goes by too fast. Many blessings to your family!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
I so very admire the two of you…your dedication to your family over everything else is so refreshing in these days of families spending less and less time with each other, running in so many different directions and before you know it, time has passed so quickly and they have left the nest…I love it so that you two have your priorities in the right direction…Congrats on your new beautiful baby boy!…Clara will be such a great big sister!!
Kathy says
I’m so happy that your family has decided to cut back. This is what you need. Life shouldn’t be surrounded by work, take time to enjoy the pleasures of life!!! I’ve read your blog for years and felt that the last two years have been harder for you. People were expecting more and not realizing you are only human. I wouldn’t want my whole life judged and with blogging there will always be a few that will pick your life apart. You shouldn’t have to explain why you do x or y a certain way. Raise your kids like you want, not how strangers want.
I also run a small business, and only now am I putting myself first. Sorry I can’t please or help everyone. I need my own life and me time…..and some vaycay! Now go and be free and heck make some grammar mistakes.
steph o says
Good for you guys! I’m actually really happy to hear that you are scaling back. Selfishly, I’ll miss the sheer amount of awesomeness you guys post, but honestly the recent pace didn’t seem sustainable. I have never regretted putting my family ahead of my work and am so grateful for the privilege to even have that choice. Enjoy this time, you’ve earned it! I will continue visiting YHL every day, regardless of the posting frequency :)
Erin says
So glad to hear it! I can hardly believe I have an 8-month-old toddling (! yikes!) around the house. I swear, yesterday, he was wearing that impossibly tiny diaper. Such full, challenging, beautiful, amazing, hard, wonderful days, each one. So happy that you are choosing to be present for them. :)
Kim-in-the-Cove says
You will NEVER regret this decision!!! :)
Tanya says
I fully applaud your decision! :) I’m currently in the midst of reading “Zero Waste Home” which emphasizes simplifying your life so that you have more time to spend enjoying the things you love doing and being with loved ones. So this is a very coincidental post for me! Enjoy every precious minute!
Angie K says
I know I will keep reading whatever you put out there, I’ve been reading since the early years and continue reading even after google reader deserted us and shook up my blog reading world!
My kids are almost 14, 11, and 3 and I gotta tell you, that third baby (which the doctor said would never ever happen after I tore my uterus — so don’t jinx yourself if you really want Teddy to be your last!!!!) she rocked my world. Made me rethink everything and made me cherish every last second because my older two made me very aware of how quickly those precious moments disappeared.
Bravo to you for having the courage to not only make this decision but to share with the blogging world.
Is it completely strange to put a “if you ever need anything” out there to a complete stranger?!?!? haha… But, that’s what was running through my head as I read this. Not that you two opportunity creators/snatchers will ever be without a project!!!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Wonderful idea. Enjoy every second!
Carolyn says
As a new mom to a now 6mo (how did that happen?!) – YAY!!! I always enjoy stopping by – often it’s once a week or every other week to catch up on posts. And I really admire your commitment to family, etc. Enjoy every moment with Teddy and Clara. I’ll be here in the wings enjoying your blogging and searching past posts for DIY info once we purchase our first house someday :-).
Jenn says
Aw, congratulations! :)
Christina says
Congratulations on your beautiful baby. I completely respect and understand your decision and I find it refreshing that you two are focused on what really matters in life. I do hope you continue to blog for a long time as this is my favorite blog. Best wishes to you!
Britiney says
I feel lucky that you guys are even willing to share so much of what you do with all of us (your groupies). Whether you post once a week or once an hour, I’ll devour every word. As always, you guys are amazing. I’m so glad you stopped to take stock in what you really want instead of figuring it out 5 or 10 years down the road and having regrets. {{{Hugs}}} from all your fans. xo
Virginia says
Good for you! Let’s all simplify.
Emily says
I am so happy to hear this for many reasons. I love that you realize the days with the little ones are fleeting. I’m in the same boat. It is such a struggle to balance everything. Also, I loved the “old school” YHL! It is what got me hooked. We felt like friends when I read about what John got you for your birthday or what you did for Clara’s birthday party goodie bags. The book tour and show house stuff is cool, but as an average joe, I just can’t relate. I am so happy for y’all and what your future holds.
So excited to see what you have planned for Teddy’s photo project!
Rebecca Rodriguez says
I’ll be sad not see as many posts, but speaking as a mother of 4 boys under 8 with one on the way…This time goes way too fast. Enjoy every second of your children’s lives and yes, less is so much better than more. Good luck with everything.
Kim says
Well said and well done! Hooray for the gift of time with family!
Amanda says
I know I’m just *one* reader, but I found your blog back in a very different time in my life. It is one that I will always check in on, not because I’m in a place where I’m redoing or even decoration my house, but because YOU ALL have become a part of my life by letting me have a glimpse at yours. (Gosh that sounded wayyy too freaking weird and creeperish! My apologies!)
With that said, congratulations on bringing home a healthy little boy. I applaud your decision to go on the way that’s right for you!
Sher Morden says
Have loved your site 4EVER!!! Am totally happy that you are refocusing on family family family! They grow up so fast! Enjoy the moments!
Melissa says
Good for you – you’re making the right choice. ??? to you!
Jen F says
frankly, your “day in the life” post made me wonder how long it was sustainable. I think this is a great move for you guys and will probably bring even more joy of the new YHL post when it does arrive. Congrats – I actually think I’m going to prefer a slower YHL pace – the sparkle has always been in the little things anyway.
Andrea in Australia says
As we say here in Oz, ‘good on ya’ both of you! I will continue to read, and wish you all the best on another great decision xxx
Kristen says
This made me tear up a bit! One of the reasons I have loved reading your blogs so much is because you seem like such great people in addition to great DIYers. Your decision to slow up blogging pace and focus on the important stuff just affirms that. I’ll still be tuning in!! Congratulations and good luck!
Jackie says
I’m a little late commenting on this post, but I just wanted to say, I will ALWAYS read your guys’ blog, regardless of how often you post. I think you guys are so awesome and such an inspiration! The older I get, the faster time flies. I’m happy for your decision, congrats :)
Janelle says
Hey Sherry and John,
Congrats again, Teddy is adorable! You guys are awesome and I seriously love reading your blog. You guys have been an inspiration for me as a blogger and a future parent. I think that this is a courageous and remarkable decision. Too many people these days are choosing career and money over the amazing gift of family. Thank you for always being transparent and open about you life. That is why we love you and keep coming back for more! So as you embark on this next phase of life I wish you all the luck in the world!!!
Janelle
Erica says
Totally understand! Here’s the selfish question though…are we going to see the rest of the final areas in the show house?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, those are in the hopper! We might fill out one update a week (with multiple rooms) over the next few weeks. We got a video tour for you guys too!
xo
s
Michelle says
Way to go on making this very difficult, but very important decision! I have two boys (4 years and 9 months) and am self employed (I own a fitness company). To say it’s been a struggle finding balance would be the understatement of the year! Going back to work when our second guy was only 3 weeks old, and being go go go ever since has been very difficult. I applaud you for making this choice and think that ultimately it is these moments, choices and life experiences that matter most, not what we did professionally. I’ll still be following your blog and loving everything you post:) Good luck and I truly hope you find the balance that you’re looking for!
Eva says
I’ve been a casual reader of your blog since the days of the backyard wedding and will always check back periodically to see what blessings are coming to pass in your lives. I’m so proud of you guys for knowing what life’s supposed to be all about and being smart enough to move towards it! Thank you for your hard work and dedication over these last few years, but now is the definitely the time to let some of this go. So please stop reading these comments and tend to your beautiful family; we will understand!
christine says
I don’t even personally know you, but I read this with a lump in my throat because I can’t imagine the enormous pressure you’ve been under lately and you just need to enjoy your time with that precious baby boy and girl. You have my support. :-) Glad y’all are taking a stand for what is right. I’m a sahm and my husband works but he has the weekends off to spend with the kids and I imagine that blogging is a lot like teaching, (my former profession) you never leave the job at work. Always a paper to grade, parent to worry about, etc. Glad you guys are taking the time. You will NEVER regret it!
Liz Hernandez-Nunez says
This is why I love you guys!:) Do what you need to do. I will still be reading.
Rebecca says
Good for you guys. I’m a long time follower, but this is my first time commenting. Enjoy this very special time…it is irreplaceable. God bless you and your beautiful family.
Cara says
Heck yeah! I love you all even more. Go enjoy that sweet baby boy. I made a similar decision last September when our little girl was born and haven’t regretted it since.Not to push any religion here, but God feeds the birds and he’ll take care of you and your baby birdies too. :)