Every year we publicly proclaim a few of our resolutions in the hope that it’ll light a fire under our arse (arses?) and help us “get there.” So without further ado (except for this gratuitous Clara picture) here they are…
Resolution #1. To be more bold with our decorating & renovating choices. We want to embrace color and contrast and just have fun without worrying that we’ll mess up. Mistakes are always when we learn the most about a project or our style, so we’re going to welcome them with open arms. And we hope to do our best to resist always going with the “safest” decisions in favor of taking a few chances and diving in with both feet. Wait that doesn’t make sense. Jumping in with both feet? How about cannonballing? Sounds good to us. It probably means there will also be the occasional belly flop, but we’re ok with that too.
Resolution #2. To find balance. We’re going to try our darndest not to fall into the trap of putting all of our time, money, and energy into the house to the point that we have no life, no savings, and Clara is trapped in our casa for her entire childhood. We’d love to remember to plan family trips (we haven’t been on a big vacation since our honeymoon three and a half years ago other than some low key road trips and family beach weeks) and just take time to enjoy visits to the park and the zoo and the occasional meal out. Since the internet is 24/7, sometimes it’s hard to resist working nights, weekends, and even on vacation so we hope to get a handle on that. Now that we have a wee one, some healthy family-friendly balance seems like a good idea.
Resolution #3. To save more money. We’re already pretty frugal (ok, we’re total tightwads) as you can see here, but we’d like to learn more ways to squirrel away cash for a rainy day (or retirement, or the college fund…). For example, we have no idea how to coupon. But now we’d like to learn the act of couponing (but by no means will we take it as far as the people on that TLC special). Yesterday we gave it a whirl and ended up saving $19 at the grocery store. Not bad for two people who had no idea what they were doing. So we’re ready to learn more. From virtually loading our Kroger card with online coupons to buying the Sunday paper for the insert and even printing out online coupons when they’re something we actually buy, we’ll give it a try. And we’ll share how it goes if we happen to get the hang of it.
Resolution #4. To take the people-pleasing thing down a notch. As we mentioned during our blogiversary, “after three years we’ve learned that it’s impossible to please 100% of the people 100% of the time.” Gone are the days when we could write about whatever was happening at our house without someone (usually in the nicest way possible) telling us what to change. Like that we should post less or more, do bigger or smaller projects, share more or less family stuff, do more or fewer mood boards, etc. Basically, if we listened to everyone who told us how to alter YHL for the better, we’d pretty much have to scrap everything. And we might be crazy, but we like how we blog! It has gotten us to where we are today. Over two million hits a month is crazy (ok, mind-blowingly insane) to us.
We actually really enjoy sharing real-time diary-style entries about what’s going on as it occurs (the good, the bad, the ugly, and the average day-in-the-life stuff) along with whatever inspires us – just like we did back in 2007 when this whole adventure started. One week we might be flying along and the next week we may be as slow as molasses – but hey, that’s real life (with real budget constraints, snafus, & timeline challenges). There’s always HGTV for those 30 minute makeovers, so we’re all about the stuff in the middle. In the end, we know that as our blog continues to grow and evolve, some people will like it less while others may enjoy it more. Which is completely ok.
Resolution #5. To teach Clara a few key home improvement and decorating terms. Like “phillips head screwdriver.” And “cohesive.” Can you image how cute a toddler who says things like “keep it cohesive” would be?
Or is that just my sick fantasy? My dad taught me the word “dehydrated” when I was a tiny tot and I’d walk around saying “I’m dehydrated” instead of requesting water or juice like the other kids in daycare. So dramatic. And I can just picture Clara pointing around the room and saying “drywall,” “hardwoods,” and “baseboard” instead of “wall” and “floor.” Could be funny…
Pssst- Check out our weekly photo project featuring the beanette here.
Pssssst- Peep one more (kid related) resolution over on BabyCenter. Any good faux curse suggestions?
Lauren McCormick says
Just keep doing what you’re doing! We’re obviously all happy with it or you wouldn’t have all of us latched on to your every word. :) Keep it up, youngsters! We love you! Happy New Year!
carolinaheartstrings says
Clara is just precious. What a great picture for the new year.
Lisa says
Happy New Year!
Excellent resolutions. We love your blog just the way it is, you write from the heart and that’s what makes it a fantastic read everyday. Thanks for always inspiring us both in our home and our blog.
Cheers to 2011.
jessica says
Do you have a upromise account? It’s one easy way to start saving for college. http://www.upromise.com
Happy 2011!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jessica,
We have a 529 for Clara’s college fund, which we love!
xo,
s
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
I am LOVING the Bill Cosby quote! Wanting to please everyone is something I’ve been struggling with lately. I sometimes feel like people who know me are annoyed that I’m blogging about my house and I’m sure there are some who find it self-centered (or maybe that’s my paranoia??) But I’ve also received some really nice emails from people I haven’t talked to in years that love it. So even though I had a family member say “Oh I’ve only clicked that thing once….” I know I am doing this for myself, to find some balance and a creative outlet and if you want to read, please do, if not, that’s okay too. Or I’m trying to teach myself that it’s okay :)
So as a newbie, I’d say just remember why you started this wonderful site and you can’t go wrong :) Thanks (always) for sharing!
Kristen says
You guys are such an inspiration to us who are clueless, uninspired or need a quick kick in the butt to get going on the various house projects. One of my 2011 goals is to stop printing out and saying things I want to do or need to do around the house– and just do them!! I’m starting this weekend with a desk refinishing project and hope the momentum will carry me into some wallpaper stripping, painting, and much more.
And as far as couponing goes, if there is a product I love and use a lot, I join the mailing list for the company or brand. Monthly coupons are emailed often and then when it is on sale at the store, it’s double savings. It is so cool when you see the amount of money you would have spent at the grocery store prior to the coupons and then how much you saved. Stop & Shop gives a year to date savings, and in 2010 between coupons, store sales, etc., I saved $863.47! Now if I had only been able to put that actual money into an account that would have been smarter, but another goal to work towards :)
Sarah says
Keep it up YHL! Don’t let the haters get to you! I’m sure if it bothers them that bad they can find another blog to read ;)…
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sarah,
It’s really not haters at all! Just people honestly trying to help I think! We’re just leaning you can really start to second guess yourself if you follow everyone’s advice instead of your own heart- so that’s the 2011 plan! We’re gonna just write what goes on and hope that people enjoy the ride!
xo,
s
susanne says
Great resolutions…! I started “couponing” a year ago, though not like I hear others do it, and it is crazy how much money you can save. I subscribe to grocerygame.com, no expensive, and have saved a lot of money with only moderate effort. I actually get a little bit of a high when I see how much i have saved….(you can probably relate)….
Good luck!
Mrs. Money says
I like your “save more money” resolution! I think a lot of people would benefit if they followed that one.
I don’t like how people criticize bloggers sometimes. If you don’t like it, don’t read.
Happy New Year!
Sanja says
Love the #4. I started reading your blog in January 2008, and it was love at first sight. The best thing is to stay true to yourselves. It obviously works because how else would you explain your success so far? The best of luck in the future :)
Monique says
Happy New Years Sherry, John, Clara, and Burger! Wishing you all the best in 2011! :)
Monika says
Sounds like you have some good resolutions! I’m all for finding balance, that’s something I’m working on too.
Here’s to balance, happiness, and success in the new year!
Monika
Monica F says
Couponing has become my new obsession. I bought 7 bottles of shampoo yesterday that were on clearance and I had coupons. So I got $45 in shampoo for $0.82, which was just the tax I had to pay. So I now won’t have to buy shampoo until at least the second half of the year. =D
robin/burlington,nc says
Honestly, I don’t know how anyone could be critical with your blog? I come here for inspiration. That’s it. I always enjoy seeing what the 4 of y’all are up to. Happy New Year’s and may you continue to be blessed with good health, prosperity and peace.
Tanja says
Happy New Year!
I am relatively new to your blog (about a month) but look forward to starting my day with your latest post – that means I love the way you blog right now. So open, honest and realistic, it gives me hope that with time and patience my home can be beautiful too.
Thanks so much to all 4 of you for making my days better.
Cheers, Tanja
Beth@Just{Heart}It says
LOVE #5! My first toddler learned “atmospheric disturbance” instead of storm. Hilarious! Actually, both of my boys have advanced vocabularies for their ages (due a lot to all the reading that’s done by/with them), and it’s so great to hear actual words for things instead of “stuff.”
As for #4 – good for you. I have always felt that my blogs are almost like online scrapbooks for me – i.e. very personal. If people like them, great. If not, they can stop reading. :-)
And I like #1 – that explains the question I asked you on your last post this morning. :-) Maybe it will inspire me to do the same.
As for #2, I’ve often wondered about you guys answering all the questions you get. You seem to do it non-stop. I was just yesterday thinking, “I wonder what time they shut the computer down in the evening?” Kudos to you for wanting to have a life outside of work, even though for you the line is blurred more than most.
So those are collective resolutions. Any personal ones? :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Beth,
Yup, we have a few personal resolutions too. Just basic ones like to eat healthier, spend more time with family, get in shape, all that good stuff.
xo,
s
Lori says
Um, that TLC couponing show was CRAAAZY! Please just don’t start stockpiling 150 years worth of deodorant and subsiding only on Yakisoba noodles you get for free :) haha.
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says
These are FABULOUS resolutions! Hooray for 2011! Happy new year YHL! <3
Rabbit says
Don’t freak out too much about the coupon thing. You guys seem to eat pretty healthy and not a lot of packaged/processed stuff. It is HARD to be a coupon maven if you eat how I think you do. I know from first hand experience :) Where I use coupons most are for things like dairy items and health/beauty products–which I match up w/ sales at CVS and get extra bucks, and then I have ALL of this free money, lol. Sadly, no one ever offers coupons for fresh fruit and veggies. Good luck and Happy New Year!
Orla says
Those are such interesting resolutions, I love it! You guys are great, keep it up.
My little girl (2 years) is going around at the moment telling people that she needs to ‘use the facilities’ instead of saying ‘I need to pee-pee!’, which leaves us in hysterics every time! Gotta get Clara going with some DIY phrases, for definite! :)
Kristina @ spabettie says
CUTEST photo of Clara!!
all of your resolutions are great, and I am wholeheartedly for Clara learning big words!! :D
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!
Rosemary says
I love your first resolution. I am ready to see some bold colors in the new house :) Actually they’re all ready great resolutions. Best of luck in the New Year! Definitely find time to sit back and relax a bit :)
Ali says
2010 was the year I got hooked on YHL, and I’m really looking forward to what 2011 brings. Love reading whatever you post! A very happy new year to you, and thank you for the inspiration :)
Sarah Mc says
I’m a newbie couponer and I must say you can take it as far as you want. There are TONS of blogs out there that teach you the basics and then you can start with as few or as many stores as you’d like. I think the key to the couponing is to only buy the things you need/will use. If you start buying things just because they’re a good deal and not really using them, you’re wasting money. I’m sure you guys will be amazing couponers once you get the hang out it. It really does save a TON!
Happy New Year!
Leslie *Fresh Out of Lemons* says
I focus on my “couponing” and grocery day savings every Sunday (though I’ve been a bit slack in December….)
Here’s a post I did on my methods:
http://www.freshoutoflemons.com/something-to-talk-about/2010/8/22/feeding-the-piggy.html
I’m planning a follow-up for this Sunday. :)
I think that you guys will get totally get into coupon saving! Here’s the way I think of the idea and how I ended the above post:
My number one piece of grocery savings advice is that you have to want to put in the necessary work. I’m always up to the task because the end results make me feel good. Ultimately, the best reward is that I feel like Joey and I have a great balance [Editor’s note: There’s that word again!] in our life because we’ve been smart with money.
:)
Katie says
You should check out – http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/ – She has a great blog on saving, coupons, etc.
Happy New Year!
Katie
http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/
Alison says
great resolutions :) I LOVE LOVE LOVE the color resolution! I love your style and I can’t wait to see what you do with bold colors. I think I will be able to relate to your blog even more :) that, plus you have a little one running… errr… crawling? scooting? around the house. ;)
and good for you for just plain being you. I think that’s what most people are interested in anyway…. not the “you” that wants more readers and more fame, the you who you are. :)
deena says
Couponing! At the bottom of your receipts check for percentage saved. This is the prize. At the grocery store I seem to hover around 30-50% but the drug stores if planned properly I’ve saved 80-90%. It’s a total high for sure.
Carley says
Thank you for being my favorite blog out there. I not only love your home improvements, but who you are as people. I love knowing there are other people in the world who are fun loving, creative, and kind!
Dana H says
I love your blog! I’m sure you get that a lot but thought it needed to be said :) Our house needs some DIY updates but we’re completely inept at decorating (seriously, it’s painful) so I’m checking out your archives and trying to figure out where to start!
Our new year’s resolutions/goals are mainly house specific this year along with some family financial planning.
I saw your hardwood floor post from a while back when you redid the last house and saw that you did your 3 rooms and hallway in hardwood. We’ve thought about that but with a dog and two kiddos we were concerned about wear and tear. We’ve also recently come across the new tiles that look like hardwood floors – you can see some here: http://www.woodlooktiles.com/. Have you guys heard anything about these as far as durability and warmth? We were thinking about putting them in our dining room, office and main family room. I thought they’d be great for kids, dogs, and basic durability.
I consider you guys my resident go-to experts so I thought I’d ask :)
Can’t wait to see what you guys do with this new house!
~ Dana from just north of Dallas, TX
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Dana,
We haven’t heard anything about those tiles but they sound cool. Anyone else have info for Dana on the subject?
xo,
s
Becky says
Happy New Year to you and your family!! One of my New Years resolution comes from reading your blog….to love my house more. It may not be in great shape…yet But, I’m learning to realize that it is a work in progress and it’s not going to be perfect for a while. But, I should still love it in the meantime because it’s mine. So, thank you for showing me how much you love your current home and former home!
Arlene says
This is exactly how I thought Clara’s weekly picture would look like, noise maker and all. Do you have something else planned for her?
Your blog is perfect just the way it is, very inspiring. I check twice a day to see your posts!
YoungHouseLove says
We’re going to have some fun with family members (who also have kiddos) tonight for a bit, but Clara will definitely be in bed by the time the ball drops!
xo,
s
Cathie says
Regarding your decorating resolution–I’d love to hear some thoughts on decorating/color choices related to the climate one lives in. For example a beachy scheme wouldn’t really feel appropriate in the mountains. What about color schemes in cold climates vs. warm climates?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Cathie,
That’s an interesting thought! We really believe in decorating your house with what you love! So even if you’re in the mountains, if airy and beachy is your thing, we say go for it! We also don’t think people with homes of a certain style (like Victorian) need all of their furniture to “match” the house type. We’ve seen so many mixes of modern and classic and antique furniture that feel so fresh without sticking too stringently to the house or where it’s located. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Amy says
I love your blog and even did my own version of your DIY Reed Diffuser for Christmas Dinner at my house. I like your New Year’s Resolutions as well and am excited to hear all about them this upcoming year! God Bless!
Erica says
I love reading your blog, and I don’t care what you write about or if you do more projects or anything, cause it’s YOUR blog! I haven’t written in mine in months! :-( I enjoy reading everything you post, and I’m so excited to see all the changes you’re making in your new house! Can’t wait to see some bold colors and patterns here in the next few months… or years! :-)
As for couponing, I love to use coupons at the store, but I watched that show and I thought those people were crazy. I do wholeheartedly agree with saving money though! I like to use the Kroger site (or whatever Kroger store you have around there) and shortcuts.com to get coupons to load onto my store card. I get the Sunday paper to get coupons as well. It really does help save money if you can keep track of what you have and remember to bring them to the store. I keep my coupons in a binder with plastic sleeves that makes them easy to see and search through. My mom used to use a card box with the coupons divided by section of the store. I know you’ll find a system that works for you!
Lindy says
I love you guys! In fact, I think I love y’all more since you bought your new house. It’s made me realize that you guys were “real” and that your house wasn’t going to be perfect and magazine ready over night. It’s made me feel better about my whole house ranch renovation. By the way, check out http://www.southernsavers.com . This lady is the absolute best at couponing!
Minnesotamom says
Ah, saving money…that’s a tough one. Especially for our generation, methinks. Society is really geared toward a double income, and to make it work when one of you wants to care for the kids full-time (me) or works from home (also me), it can be really hard to have any extra cash to save. Hope you two are able to make it work!
Lisa says
When I was about 2, my dad replaced the paneling in their house with drywall. He tied a little tool belt (like the canvas painter ones) around my waist, handed me my wooden toy hammer, and I got to “help.” That will be Clara!
(I don’t know if it’s a downside or and upside, but when you get your kids into DIY, you never get a break. When my water broke early and I was laid up in the hospital on bed rest, my whole family was at my house frantically finishing our flooring project! Now my ‘rents have their projects, mine, and my bro’s!)
josie says
great goals, youngsters! i teach coupon classes and my most favortist coupon blog is hip2save.com she does coupon match ups for all the drug stores and posts all sorts of great deals, both in brick and mortar stores and online. i’ve literally cut our grocery budget in half and i only spend about an hour a week to do so. i haven’t seen the TLC show yet, but i’ve heard it highlights the dark underbelly of couponer hoarding tendencies. :) i’m still looking forward to watching it, though. anywho, good luck on the whole list!
Lauryn says
I like how you blog too! Especially the diary style :-) It always was my favorite. Im excited that you let us share in your home improvement adventures! Happy New Year!
Mece says
OMG wasn’t the TLC show on couponing amazing! I could not believe the deals those people got! Very inspiring, much like your blog! keep it up, i love reading everyday! You give a poor-apartment-living-graduate-student like me ideas for decorating on a budget!
Natalie says
I’m sure Clara will pick up those terms naturally. My husband does neurobiology research and talks about work often. Our two year old recently came into the living room and said, “Mom, I have a hypothesis! I don’t know where my pockets is!”
Yay for couponing! I refuse to spend even a dime on toothpaste anymore. Once you find out how easy it is to get things for free, it’s hard to imagine paying someone to take them home. Best of luck!
Renee says
Those seem like fantastic goals! I especially like the balance-finding goal; we worked on that last year with our child (ren, #2 showed up in Nov.), and we have had absolutely no regrets. I don’t know anyone who reaches old age and says, “gee, I wish I had worked more.” What a blessing to be home with your sweet girl!
Here’s a cost-saving suggestion: Buying a zoo membership was the best $80 we spent this year since we only live about 10 minutes from the zoo, and the per-trip cost is something like $30 if we were to go without the membership… so going a couple times a week (for no additional cost to the membership) works out to pennies a visit! Woot!
Sarah @ The Strength of Faith says
I love that quote from Bill Cosby! I’m sure it’s been said in the comments before, but just keep doing what you’re doing. You’re not twisting anyone’s arm to stop in and visit YHL so trust your gut and create a blog that you love! You two have gotten it to where it is today and I think where it is today is pretty freaking awesome. Happy New Year’s! See you in 2011.
Rach says
Haha- #5 hits home because my hubs and I were just talking about the same thing last week, except he was talking about how he hopes our daughter DOESN’T pick up too much of my work lingo. When this came up I may or may not have been wandering around Target talking (too loudly, apparently)on my cell to a client on about the details of how we are going to get her horse preggo in the spring (I’m a horse vet). John seems to be concerned that our tot will have a very, um, clinical vocabulary unless I get my act together :-)
Thanks for sharing your resolutions, here is to a new year filled with peace, love and hilarity.
peppie says
You are my favorite “blog that has been around for a while but I just got into” of 2010!
That largely happened when my attention span switched from food blogs to decorating and home blogs. No matter what kind of blog the personal touches are what keep me reading.
Can’t wait to see what your new house looks like in 2012! (and I bet you can’t too!)
HAPPY NEW YEAR to the whole YHL family!
Aimee says
Congrats on wanting to start couponing! I’ve been doing it almost a year and I can’t even tell you how much moola I’ve saved. My favorite websites for couponing and other great deals are southernsavers.com and moneysavingmom.com
On Money Saving Mom, she usually features all kinds of sites you can go to to get free samples. Last week, for example, I got two 4lb bags of dog food in the mail, for free! I’m sure Burger is as frugal as you two and wouldn’t mind some free samples :)
Best of luck and Happy New Year!
Bobbi says
John & Sherry,
Great resolutions! #4 is my fave for sure but #3 is a close second and also on my list for 2011. It’s a hoot to see how much you can save by doing all the couponing tricks.
I was going to write a couple sentences about what I like best about your blog, but I don’t want to mess up your start to #4. ;-)
Happy New Year Petersik Family!!
Ami @ beyondpeasandcarrots says
I saw that TLC show… CRAzzzzzzzy!! My husband and I are going to try to “coupon” more now too lol. The people totally motivated us… although I don’t think I am going to stock up on speed stick and toothbrushes for the next 100 years…
PS I love the blog just the way it is and I love watching it grow and change… trust your guts ;)
Constance says
Happy New Year! Great ideas and I really can’t believe how much couponing has exploded – suddenly I see it everywhere (which makes sense with the economy, etc.). For what it’s worth / to the extent it’s helpful, one of the many things my husband does is produce couponing videos with Coupon Queen Jill Caltaldo (yes, that’s her official tag). Google her and/or search for her on youtube and you’ll get A LOT of pretty excellent couponing info. Plus, she’s incredibly nice and brings our 20-month old toys when she comes over, so I can vouch for her :)
(DISCLAIMER: My husband makes no money off of the link below! – I’m just forwarding to share). This is just a promo since they sell the content to media outlets, but there’s a whole series that if you are intersted in, I could forward: http://www.contentthatworks.com/money/super_couponing_tips_videos.php