Update: Aaaand less than 12 hours later we’re back with an update on the bottom of the post for ya. Smooth, right?
Hey there! Long time no see.
The break has been great. Admittedly a little weird, but really reinvigorating. So we’re immensely thankful not only for your support and kind comments, but also for helping put words to some of the things that we had been feeling for some time. And while the last month hasn’t been enough time to fill in all of the blanks about our future (heck, when are life’s blanks ever clearly filled in?) it has made one thing pretty obvious to us: after seven awesome years of sharing our home and our life, it’s time for our next adventure.
This blog has been a staple in our lives for 80+ months, tagging along for all but three months of our marriage and our entire existence as parents. So we thought it would be nearly impossible to click off that urge to over-share this past month (we expected our blogging spark to come back with a vengeance). But maybe it’s us getting older, the kids getting bigger, or a general shift in life priorities – but it actually felt just right. So this break has given us the clarity (and the guts, I guess) to move on… and hopefully move the needle on that life balance we’ve been talking about for so long.
We won’t go as far as to declare this the end of Young House Love or our blogging days. Who knows, maybe somewhere down the line (when the kids are both in school?) we’ll get that burning in our bellies again – perhaps here or in a completely different capacity. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know that the most amazing things have happened to us when we’ve stretched waaay out of our comfort zone – as much as that sounds like advice you’d find on an inspirational kitten poster.
We plan to keep the blog archives available for as long as we can, and will be freezing comments soon, but we won’t be completely dropping off the planet. Some completed product designs with Liberty Hardware and Shades of Light may pop up, and our second book will come out on September 22nd, 2015. Those folks have all been amazingly supportive of our decision, for which we’re incredibly thankful.
Speaking of which – “Thank you” doesn’t come close to expressing how grateful we are for getting to share our weird little world with you guys for so long. We have nothing but love and gratitude for this whole experience – and for you. (*This is probably where we should fade up on that Dirty Dancing song*)
But let’s not say “goodbye” let’s just say “see you on another time.”
Peace, love, and ceramic animals,
John & Sherry
PS: We did randomly snap a few fresh photos for the House Tour page over the break (some of the rooms were pretty outdated). Feel free to give the dining room’s blue trim the side eye for us (yes, it’s still there!).
Update: The same few questions kept popping up in the comments (we just can’t quit you). As for the “what are your new jobs” thing, we’ve mentioned in a few previous posts that we left the door open in our past professions (advertising/copywriting/consulting), which we can do as freelancers from home a lot of the time, while switching off on the stay-at-home parent thing. We know things like the book and products we design are driven by this blog, so we can’t live off those or anything. Didn’t mean to be mysterious! As for the Facebook/Instagram questions, we’d love to pop up there from time to time to say hi. And we hope our blog archives will be up for a good long time (we use them to reference things like paint colors, so we’d never want to lose them!).
We’re also really sorry if this feels abrupt. We’ve made a few public attempts to wind down and gain balance over the years (like when we moved to this house and after Teddy’s birth) but they’ve always been at odds with our “all in” personalities, so it wasn’t until taking this break (yet another attempt to recalibrate) that we realized we felt closer to our goal. We debated lots of alternatives – drastically fewer posts / shorter posts / no comments – but nothing felt like the version of Young House Love we were excited to carry on with. And we tried to keep today’s post light and happy (the last one felt so heavy) since this truly is a moment of extreme gratitude, despite it being a difficult decision to make.
Flawless and graceful exit, eh? Right. So here we go. Ack, we suck at this! We will miss you!!
Karen J says
Awww…..I knew it! Everything I could say was said, so why repeat.
Danielle says
I will miss you guys, but I wish you all the best in your new adventures! Thank you for everything!!
Tiffany T. says
Thank you for sharing all these years. Live long and prosper! : )
Patti says
It seems very sad to me that the blog is ending in this way. I can’t help but think that a few haters out here made your final decision for you. It’s a very abrupt end to a super quality diy blog, the best in my opinion! An end that should have been celebrated not delivered via pink slip, as a previous commenter said. I’m so sorry on your behalf. And reading the house tour link at the bottom of this post made me realize just how much I’m gonna miss it. Good luck in the future but I don’t think you’re going to need it, you guys are so talented! On to your next best adventure!
Scott says
I’m so sad to see y’all go, but incredibly happy for your next steps in life. I feel like we’re very good friends, even though I’ve never met you, and you’ve never met me. I enjoyed hearing from you almost every day over the last few years. Keep in touch!
kate C. says
This is so sad and we will miss you, but I’m glad you are doing what you feel is the best decision for you and your family! Best wishes in the future!
Jonathan says
Hey guys, as a fellow handy Richmonder, I often wondered how I’d react to running into “my favorite celebrity bloggers” while out and about town. Your blog was always my favorite to read every day. After getting to know you guys over the years through your blog, I’m sure big things will follow you! Good luck and take care with whatever comes next for you.
Christy Niebaum says
Thank you for sharing your lives with us for as long as you have. I’ll miss you fiercely. Best of luck to you. XOXO
Karen Q says
Beautiful family picture! Thank you for letting us into your lives the past 7 years- loved seeing all you have created and watching your family grow. You are truly an inspiration to all us DIY-ers out there! Excited for your new adventures – wishing you all the best! Looking forward to the new book next year! Woo Woo! XO
PAppel says
Okay, now you’ve made my cry. I will miss you terribly even though I am the most non-DIY person you’ll ever meet and I rarely commented. But I did so enjoy your adventures in blogland.
Wishing you all the best life has to offer,
Holly W. says
Have been reading every day since around the time Clara was born, loving getting to know you. With two kids under 3 now, I totally understand, and hope many blessings come your way. I am also very sad though. Maybe drop in at some point and let us know what your new adventures turn out to be?
Cali says
Wishing you all the most beautiful, amazing and well decorated life imaginable. (Although, selfishly, I audibly moaned “nooooooooooo” while ready this.) ????
Wanda says
Your next step: HGTV! I think you guys would be great :)
Cassi O. says
I guess all good things must come to an end… but it just REALLY sucks when they do… Man guys, like a lot of people have already said, I feel like I’m losing a good friend. But I couldn’t imagine sharing my life in the capacity that you guys have for so long. Lots of people are really gonna miss you! I think I’m going to have to go buy a ceramic animal today in memoriam of the Petersik family and YHL!
Good luck in all you do! You guys are wonderful people and deserve good things!
Much Love – Cassi O. the O.G. reader
Amy says
I am so happy for you and your new adventures, and I think it’s a great choice. Although—I hope, hope, hope you are able to find a way to keep the archives up. I still refer to them all the time. I know I’m not alone here:)
Caroline says
Oh goodness… It is totally ridiculous how sad this makes me!! I have this NEED to know how the kitchen will turn out one day… and the unfinished attic space! What will I do?! You guys are the best and I am so going to miss coming to your “home” everyday… Best of luck in your future! I know y’all will rock it!
Artsy Forager (@artsyforager) says
The end of one era, the beginning of a new. You will be missed! Best wishes to your little family!
clare says
I am heart broken :( I have learned so much from you guys this is very shocking. You will be so missed.
Alyssa says
I got this strange urge at my desk to cry. Then I realized that I’ve been with you all since close to the beginning. I fell in love with your YHLove when I read about your wedding in my sophomore dorm room. That was some 5 years ago and I have felt like a part of your family in a weird way. The first book sits on my bookshelf, waiting for the day when I have a house (or really a space larger than my current little tiny apartment) to really play with. And your lives are going to go in a million wonderful directions I am absolutely sure of it. Just hoping that y’all will pop back into our lives once in a while so that it doesn’t feel quite so sad to say goodbye.
Can’t believe this turned into a sappy comment, as though you’re my actual neighbors and you’re moving away. But as my “neighbors on the interwebs”, you will be missed.
krystle says
I actually am crying, I feel like I’m losing some great friends. Very, very best of luck to you both and your beautiful family, and many happy wishes for a bright and exciting future. I’m sad for me, but truly excited for you guys. You will be missed!
Laura says
I can’t believe it! Although I have to say I’m in full support of it. I feel like blogging is a phase… and when you’ve done it for 7 years it may have already run its course (for you). I totally get not wanting to share your life with the world. It would get old pretty fast for me. I have LOVED following along with your house projects and will be sad to see you go! Thank you for all your DIY inspiration! And for all the silly puns and laughs!
Karen R says
So sad but I understand. I have been reading since you were in the first house, even before your name change! Love you guys and pray you will be blessed in your future endeavors. And I hope to meet you someday! Maybe at the next book tour?!?! Also I hope y’all would consider continuing to post on instagram. I feel like I’m losing a friend and would love to still have little glimpses into your life and to see the kids grow! Much love!
Emily M says
So sad! I was hoping for the renewed spark, as you say. Best of luck – hope we’ll see you on TV, maybe?!
Bridget P. says
I’ve been a reader since 2009 and I can honestly say that your blog has changed my life. I learned so much from your little blog – it was my go to source for tutorials and product recommendations. When I found out I was pregnant back in 2012, the first thing I did was come over to your blog to reread all your baby essentials posts because I needed to know what to register for! Your blog was my gateway into the whole world of blogging. You were my first, my favorite, and the first blog I would read every day at work. This past month without your posts has been weird, but I’m so happy you’re doing what’s right for your family and yourselves. I really hope you still keep us updated on Facebook and Instagram because (it’s weird to say this to people I’ve never met) I’ll miss your whole family! Best of wishes for the future.
Marjorie says
So sad.
thecrainsnest says
Love you guys! I expected this answer, but doesn’t mean it didn’t break my heart a little bit. So excited for you all and for your next adventure. You will clearly be SORELY missed. Wishing you all the best! And hopefully we will sneak some peeks of you over at the Bower’s every once in awhile ;)
Lizette says
I am so, so sad. Thank you for being such an inspiration all these years. You will be missed! May God bless you in all that you do in the future.
Lizette says
Ps. I really wish it were April 1st…
Brenda T says
First, thanks for sharing yourselves through your blog for the past 80 months. We are going through major life changes in our home too. It is exciting and scary time for us but in the end we know it will be worth it. Best wishes to the Pedersik family.
Michelle says
So happy for you guys. I will miss all of your fun and witty posts. But I will be looking forward to your book next October and anything else you decide to do. Thank you for sharing all those years, as a dedicated reader I appreciate it! <3
J S says
Noooo! Say it ain’t so! As a daily reader, I will genuinely miss you like a good friend who is moving away. I sure wish we could have been privvy to what you will be doing in the future (going back to marketing/advertising, being a stay at home mom or dad, etc.) but I know it’s not fair of me to expect that kind of information. Even though we’ve never met, I love you guys and want to wish you the very best.
Dana says
Your most loyal and loving readers (me!) mourn the loss of a daily fix of you Youngsters and your youngsters. Thank you for the years of inspiration, guidance, laughs, and positivity. With all the garbage on the internet, this blog was a true gem. You will be so missed. Hugs and kisses to you all (even Burger and the deer in your yard), xo!
Maddie says
Selfishly, I am sooooo bummed! I was hoping you would be back and say, “hey, we really missed blogging and here are a whole bunch of posts and updates to make up for it”. :) I really do understand and respect your decision and hope nothing but the best for you and your family. It really does feel like a break-up…. although I know it is right for you, I still what to know what is going on after having your blog in my life for years (and reading around 10 a.m. every morning) I will keep checking hoping that maybe an updated picture will pop up here or there. Would love to see how some rooms end up in that beautiful home of yours. Best wishes to you!
Kim says
Good for you!!! Wishing you guys nothing but good things in the future and it looks like a lot of nutters are going to have to get an actual life!!!!!!
kathleen says
I’m going to miss y’all soooooo much! You are one of the first blogs I started reading. I appreciate all of your ideas and inspiration over the years. You have touched the lives of so many, like the Oprah of the DIY blog world :)
Dusa says
Add me to the “pit in my stomach” crowd. First Benita, and now you folks *sniffffffff*. I will miss the whole P clan and wish you all nothing but the best. Now Imma gonna eat some candy corn to fill this hole in my tummy. *sniffs some more*
Karin P says
Good for you!!! Putting your family first is NEVER wrong! Good luck, you and yours will be missed!
Corinne says
Going to miss seeing you guys. I learned a lot of great things, new ideas and got some courage from the things you tackled.
Check in once in a while – just so we can see the kids growing up.
I have to say, I read a zillion blogs – but you and Bower Power were ALWAYS the best.
Have fun!!!!
Marilyn says
Aw, was just thinking on my way to work this morning that I missed your cheery posts and was wondering what’s up lately in the house. Good luck with your next adventure!
Jen C. says
Thank you for letting us be part of your journey these past years. It’s been incredible. You guys are incredible! Best wishes on the next leg of your journey. Cheers!
Leah Concepcion says
Omigosh, I’m a little heartbroken actually. =( I feel like I “grew up” with you guys. You were my online friends who gave me home advice, financial advice, parenting advice…Oh man, I will miss you. I know that’s weird because we really don’t know each other personally and I’m from halfway across the world! (Mabuhay from the Philippines!) I hope you’ll keep posting on Instagram. Please? I will miss your updates on Clara and Teddy and your new home. Thank you for all your hard work you’ve put into this blog. I learned a lot from you both. I wish you and your family all the best. I love you guys! I’m going to cry in the bathroom now. xo – Leah
Candy says
So sorry to see you go! I so love watching you re-do your houses and I couldn’t wait to see what was gonna happen with that kitchen! Best of luck to you all!
Lisa Al. says
You are going to be missed. I totally understand, when you have kids your openness does change. But maybe you could consider a monthly blog about purchases, & flea market/thrift store finds, with no personal house reno. info.
I will remember your blog every time I look at my bureau turned entertainment center and my door-less closets and my tinted bathroom window, etc. lol! We appreciate your inspiration and suggestions.
Your blog was definitely something I looked forward to during my 8 hour workday…ugh! It made me take a break during the day. Looking forward to your next book. I tagged along my husband’s work trip to NYC so we get my book signed in SOHO! Looking forward to your next book!
Thanks! Lisa Al.
meredith williams says
Congrats on your new adventure! Please do keep the archives alive- I love the spray paint tips! Also if youdo take on that blue trim, don’t be scared to share :) would love to see
All the best,
Meredith
Kate says
Take good care, Young House Lovers. I will miss you, but I totally understand. Best of luck to your family!
Laura says
:(
Carrie says
I have been a loyal reader for years now and have loved every part of your blog! While I’ll miss your posts and updates on life, I totally respect whatever decision you make because I know family us most important. Whatever your choices, I’ll always be a fan and wish you guys all the best!! Oxox
Lauren B. says
Well damn. This just ruined my day. The internet just became a lot less happy. I still cherish this website – please leave it up for.e.vvveeeerrrrr! I just moved into my first house so I *need* all of your help! Hope you keep up with the Instagram account, or keep updating the Home Tour page so we can all get little peeks into that awesome house. You’ve teased us with your lists…so we’re all still excited to see how it all turns out. Can’t wait to see the next book, and whatever else you guys end up doing down the line!
I’m selfishly devastated, but completely inspired. I hope I have the heart and courage to always do what’s best for me and my family, even if it’s scary or disappoints others.
LOVE YOU, PETERSIKS! Wish your whole family love, health and happiness. TTFN – Ta ta for now!
Hannah Milley says
Truly didn’t see a forever end coming. I wish you the best of luck, but this completely ruined my day.
Sarah says
Thanks for sharing your creative spirits….I look forward to seeing your new book! Happy Trails!
Coran says
I have been so inspired by your blog. I’ve used it as a reference point for many home projects. I’m sad to see you all go but want what’a best for you. I selfishly want to see your home grow, change, and watch your progress through projects and life. I completely understand the need to shift gears, take care your souls, be inspired in new ways and do what you need to do to live the way you want to live. Many kudos, cheers, and best wishes to you all in your new ventures and past acomplishments.