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!!
Aimee says
On a bright note, maybe all the hamcats will finally step away from the computer and start doing something productive with their time. It has devolved into a whole new level of obsession over there. Like that one girl who won’t stop checking her ex’s facebook page and making fun of the angle at which he cuts his grilled cheese sandwich. Awkward.
Renske says
Thank you for all those years, I love your blog! Sad to see you go, I hope you will find your happiness in your family and new things!
Love from the Netherlands!
JillM says
I just teared up…at work…sad day. Good luck in your future endeavors, you will be missed by many!
Tracey says
Thank you Sherry and John – it’s been a great journey – all the very best.
Kara says
I’m sure you are reading all these heartfelt fair wells. I will be sorry to see you go, but glad you’re doing what is best for your family.
I am wondering how we will know what your next endeavors are? Will you stay up to date on social media? I’ve still be checking the blog pretty frequently during your break, but now that your done, I’m sure I’ll slowly move on and stop stopping-in *sniff*sniff*. But how will we know then if you post something about Liberty hardware, Shades of Light or your new book?
I want to be able to keep up with y’all in whatever capacity you’re in next, but I don’t know how to do that if your done. help?
Jamie says
I’ve been reading your blog since early 2009. You’ve been so much a part of my inspiration for my home, you inspired me to try cloth diapers with my first child, and I’ve loved reading about your sweet family. With two small kids of my own, I can totally understand how you might want something new (and less public). I will most definitely miss you guys, though. Best wishes on your new adventures!
Annie says
#1 Can’t you just blog once a week? please? #2 You never over shared, I have no idea where that is coming from.
Kelly Kristensen says
I am so sad right now. I’m glad that you guys have figured out which path you need to take to get to your happy place, though. We will miss you! <3
Jamie says
Blessings to you and your family as you move forward! Thanks for the inspiration, entertainment, and laughs! I’m really hoping you guys stay somewhat active on social media! :)
susan goldhill says
Bummer. Your style and voice will be missed in the blogisphere. Best of everything to you.
April says
Wow, what a journey! I can say with total certainty that I’ll miss you guys a lot. Everytime I started a new project I’d go to you for ‘advice’, so please realize how much you were appreciated for what you did.
Best of luck in all you do, I look forward to your next book!
April
judgeandbean says
Really going to miss you guys and all the inspiration that you’ve given me to just dig right in!
My sister and I think that you guys are going to to a TV show- it would be awesome. You guys show up at someone’s house and re-do a room, they love it, we still get to see you all, and everyone is happy! We would totally watch it!!!!!
Erin C. says
Ouch….this hurts. I will miss reading about your family and adventures. I hope you stop by once in a while to let us know how you’re doing…you have so many people who care about you! Best wishes..thank you for an awesome 7 years.
Maddie says
I already commented but wanted to add a couple suggestions…I should preface that I totally respect your decision and have LOVED your blog. My fav. But, I do not feel like I have closure (again feels like a break-up) Maybe a video house tour to close, a few details of what you will be doing, etc. I do not want to be nosy… just have been a loyal reader for years and feel like it all just ended abruptly. Love you guys.
Amabelle S. says
Thank you for the inspiration and humor, and for keeping the archives available for as long as you can. I’ve only been a reader for about a year, and have used the past month to catch up on all the posts (reading about a month’s worth of posts per day, :D ). Best of luck with the new adventure(s). I’ll keep an eye out for Book #2.
Angela B says
My Feeeeeeelings…
I discovered you guys right before I got married 4 years ago. Since this I have looked forward to every morning post. I completely support your decision, but since I’m going through the stages of grief here, I thought I would write you a tribute :) The day you announced you were moving was the same day my husband and I moved, the day you announced you were pregnant was right when I found out I was pregnant. Through all the moves and life changes I’ve experienced over the last 4 years, you have felt like the friendship I didn’t have to work to keep up. I could check in with you everyday and you always understood if I didn’t keep up the conversation on my end :) Plus I have to admit makeovers are my crack. I talk about you two like we’re old friends (this used to bug me when my dad would do this with sportscasters, but now I totally get it. Har har) One more confession, I’ve given up your blog for lent and then read every post I missed on Easter. All this to say: Thank you for being a daily inspiration for so long. I will miss you and wonder how you’re all doing and what super cool project you’re working on. Also if there’s anyway this career change involves you guys getting your own TV show… I would be much obliged.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/398446_10151317611285596_941569253_n.jpg?oh=a89dbc2a5a6784a0e6744680d785b5c4&oe=54AF6289&__gda__=1425516634_00292b1074470d42fd86ac070e6b67b6
Sincerely,
Angela B.
Lauren S says
I feel so conflicted! :(
I’m so bummed that we won’t get to be part of your life any longer – you guys we so inspirational, not only for the ‘house stuff’ but showing us the dynamic of your family and life with an “unconventional” career. I had to fight back the tears when I got to the end of the post.
But I do wish you guys the best, best life possible – whatever comes next! To echo many others, you made us feel like your friends, and friends always support each other, even if its tough. We’ll miss you!
Lauren says
You all will be missed! Good luck on your next adventure!
Cori says
I’m trying hard to hold back the tears here, guys. I’m so sad that you won’t be a part of my life anymore. But, I am so, so excited for you as a family. I know this change will bring so many good things to your life, not the least of which is balance! So here’s a hug that lasts uncomfortably long because I don’t want to let go………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. I love you guys, and thank you for all of the inspiration. You’ve honestly changed my life, for the better, and you will be greatly missed. xoxoxoxoxo
Lori says
You guys inspired me as I worked on my backyard wedding. You are 100% classy and doing a great thing for your family. Keep writing in some form because you’re good at it. You guys were only ever yourselves and for that– be proud! You’re honestly just too good for the internet. Best of luck though you don’t need luck.
NancyH71 says
So sad to see you go. Loved your blog. I look forward to buying your new book. You will be sorely missed.
Amanda says
I’m sad to hear that you’re leaving but am glad that you’re getting closer to figuring out what is best for you and your family. Please try to let us know about any future projects you’re working on outside of the blog. I would love to see what/how you’re doing, in your own time of course. I wish you all all the VERY best. You are an amazingly talented couple and will be dearly missed.
L says
Goodbye and best of luck!
Kerry says
Best wishes!
Shelise says
I have been so sad about this all day. I’ve been reading for at least 5 years and I check your blog first thing every morning. As a mother to 4 young children I totally get that life changes and you have to do what is best for YOUR family. I just hope you both know how much all of your readers have loved you and will miss you. I basically don’t have any good blogs to look at now. :( Good luck with all of your future endeavors.
debeeld says
noooooooooo!!! :-( come baack!
Nicole from Goochland says
While I’m very sad to see you go, thank you for all the great years. You are a sweet family and deserve the very best. Fare thee well!
Katie Z says
Godspeed, Petersiks. I wish you all the best as you move forward with your new endeavors. I know you’ll find much success wherever you land. Don’t be strangers… ya’ll come back once in a while now, ya hear?
Kendra says
So incredibly bummed to not have your blog to look forward to daily. I’ve been with you for almost six years and it’s been my favorite blog, I have not found another one I like near as much. You both are just so down to earth, likeable, funny, and talented! So good at what you did. I have found so much inspiration from you and learned a lot through your tutorials. Thanks for everything you did in the blog, even taking time to answer my annoying email questions and comments from time to time. Will truly miss you guys! Hope you still keep instagram/facebook so we can see updates. Still would love to see what you do with the rest of your house, especially your kitchen (and the faux brick floor!). Hugs
kwithme says
I don’t comment often but you were my favorite blog stop. Your home inspired me to work on mine. I wish you all the best and I will miss reading about all your projects. Take care of each other and I hope your next adventure is just as awesome.
Lauren O says
I hope the best for your family!
Jackie says
Thank you for writing such an enjoyable blog and for sharing your life. Best of luck, health and happiness! You will be missed.
CP says
I’ve never commented before but I wanted to say thank you. You really have inspired me to do things I didn’t know I could or should. I will miss your blog. Best wishes!
Kimberly says
I cannot even express how much I have loved your blog – how much you have inspired me, made me laugh, and helped me to realize there is a reality much like my own behind even the most beautifully presented rooms, stories, and ideas. I will miss you all and your beautiful family so much but I truly wish you the very, very, very best in wherever life takes you all from here. I will still daydream of running into you all whenever I’m in Richmond and try to pretend I’ll be cool if or when that ever happens. XOXO!!!
Kallie I says
You guys are the best. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do next! (and I have no doubts that you guys can do ANYTHING!)
lucy says
Wow. You all have been such such a fantastic web presence, it is an absolute shame, but obviously I applaud you on doing what is best, and makes you happiest.
Best of luck and thank you for sharing some great ideas over the years!
Jamie T says
Hey, I just had an idea!
I’m sure that your website is going to be getting a LOT fewer hits now and your hosting needs will likely drop significantly. Once you have an idea of how much it’s going to cost you to keep the site up for archives, why don’t you add a Donate button and a little “Monthly Cost to run Servers” graphic that shows monthly donations being applied to the month’s goal? This way readers who want to keep the website up for reference are able to support the cost of the web hosting and the blog won’t be a financial burden on your finances.
Just a thought.
Kate S says
I was anxiously awaiting your next post, and so sad to see that you’re leaving. Best of luck, you’ve provided me and many others with hours and hours of happy reading.
Maybe one last bit of advice before you go? Any other great home/family/craft blogs I should start following now?
sarahsdaybook says
I have been thinking about this for a while know, but just didn’t know quite how to put it. It’s weird to think that you started this blog when I was in 4th grade- and I probably wouldn’t have cared one bit about it (BACK THEN). I started reading when I was a freshman in high school and got immediately (would we say emotionally?) attached. You guys have such talent, but it’s not just that. You’re hard working, funny, and creative. The real diamond? Your sincere kindness. I can’t imagine reading and replying to (at least) hundreds of comments per day, along with writing thousands of words with your DIY projects (ahem masterpieces). You are never hurtful to any of the haters, you connected on a personal level to the lovers. Yeah, I may have had a little cry session (but seriously readers, who didn’t?), but then I just realized how lucky I was to find you. What other blogger would go out of their way (in the midst of a blog craze that led to “Feeeeeelings”) to send me an email because my mom told you guys it was my golden birthday? Ok, I’m getting teary. Time to go, Sarah.
See you next October if you go on a book tour!
Love you guys. Seriously.
Lauren M says
I’m not going to lie…I feel like I’m losing a friend. I truly loved your blog, your amazing house adventures, your gorgeous children and mostly, the both of you. Thank you for sharing your lives with total strangers. I’m selfishly sad but I’m so very happy for you! May this next chapter in your lives be fulfilling, adventurous and full of love. You will be greatly missed in this little corner of the world. Instead of singing “Baby Come Back” like I want to, I’ll quote the great T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli and simply say, don’t go chasin waterfalls.
Thank you so much for this gift of a blog.
Bethany says
Oh wow. You will be so missed!! Now I have to go print off every post about your very first house. I loved it so much, every home I’ve lived in since then has had at least one room in the paint color “Gentle Tide”. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Grace says
I can’t even begin to express how much i am going to miss you, your kiddos, your home, your blog, your sense of humour … Well just everything. Thank you so much for your years of oversharing and best of luck on your next adventures. Sniff. Sniff
Anna McPherson says
Good for you!!! Enjoy your next adventures and thank you for being true to yourselves!!!
lourdes says
So sad! Will miss you guys xoxo
Jeanette @ Snazzy Little Things says
I wish you well, I certainly understand your need to focus on family, and I can’t wait to see what your next endeavor has in store for you. :)
Kitty says
Never commented here before. Now or never, right? I am extremely grateful you have shared your lives with the world for so many years. Thank you for that.
This truly does feel like the loss of a companion. To put it TNG style – my mental pathways have become accustom to your sensory input patterns. Yep, I went there. But really, YHL peeps may need to start a grief support group.
Guess it goes to show that it is still far better to form relationships with and attachments to people in the physical realm than with people in blogs and vlogs. Thought I learned that lesson when Allie from Hyperbole and a Half went AWOL, but apparently not.
Gonna go hug some offline peeps now. Sayonara.
Ali says
Thank you. Thanks for putting in all the time and effort over the last years to craft great posts, tutorials and inspiration for all of us. You have helped us all, and I’m excited for your next adventure.
Pam Groom says
If anything new happens to the Petersik/Young House Love brand, like your book coming out or a product line, will you post for us so we can know about it?
Kat says
Remember this post: dominooooooooooooooo? Yeah, you said it – that is totally how I feel right now.
I wish you the best and will miss you dearly. I hope that you can keep up the archives and somehow keep us informed of stuff you do like Shades of Light (I would never go to their site if it weren’t for your collection, so I’ll miss seeing it unless you post on FB or Instagram or here).
In the YHL theme of over-sharing, I am going to admit something that I haven’t realized until this post came up. The routine of your posts has been a great source of joy and comfort for me in the last several years. Today, I realized that I don’t actually have a single friend that I can relate to – no relatively happily married, late 20 to 30-something, DIY-loving, struggling with what her next career move should be, working parent with a working spouse, a preschooler, an overly mobile infant. I love my friends dearly but reading YHL filled that void that I didn’t even realize I had – crazy isn’t it? It must be so weird for you guys to reflect on what this blog has evolved into. So thank you so much for everything that you probably didn’t even know that you were doing. I will miss you and will never forget my first (and currently only) blog love.
Sadness. ;) (hee hee – sorry, couldn’t help it. :)
Elizabeth T. says
Best of luck with everything. You have inspired, instructed, entertained and shared with us your beautiful family and homes. Totally understandable that it could be time to move on to the next stage in your life! Seven years is a long time for any job, not to mention one where you’ve given every aspect of your life to us. Looking forward to seeing you again in the book next year, you will certainly be missed.