Holy cow, have we really been blogging for half a decade?! Crazytown.
It feels like just yesterday that we were creating a basic page with a big blue-background so friends and family members could drop in on our first home’s kitchen makeover.
For our fifth blogiversary we wanted to host a parade complete with homeowners marching by waving hammers and paint rollers, but since we couldn’t get that together – and it honestly sounded like someone could lose an eye that way – we decided to go for the next best thing: a week of blogiversary madness and behind the scenes hullabaloo (just like we’ve done for the past few years here, here, and here). And the festivities start right now. So feel free to toss out some chest bumps and fist pumps. It’s about to get blog-a-delic up in here (anybody have a black light?). Here are a few of the things that we have on the agenda for this week:
- a timeline of how we met, fell in love, started blogging, and ended up here (which is actually right in this post – we didn’t waste any time, haha)
- a pretty crazy giveaway with a ton of awesome $500 prizes in honor of The Big 5
- a day in the life post with a bunch of pictures and details about an average day for us
- a math-tastic rundown of our blog stats, growth, and other numerical goodness along with seven bloggy facts that might just blow your mind (no guarantees, but ours are officially blown)
- a no-holds-barred Q&A video full of answers to personal questions that hundreds of you guys submitted via Facebook
- all of our goals for the coming year (and a rundown of how we did on last year’s)
- a big ol’ list of our favorite/least favorite/hardest/most memorable/weirdest/etc posts over the last five years (there have definitely been some doozies)
- a warm and fuzzy getting-to-know-you post about you guys (who you are, where you live, what you love – we can’t wait to hear from you!)
Without further ado, here’s a big ol’ timeline that we made in photoshop that dates all the way back to 2004. Holy buckets, was that really almost ten years ago? A lot of the things on this timeline were defining moments for us, either in our personal lives or the life of YHL. And a bunch of them actually make us all misty eyed. Seriously, no one is more surprised than we are to be where we are today, and we couldn’t have done it without all of you amazing folks who take the time to drop in on us and see what we’re up to. You’ve made this entire blog-tastic journey possible for our family, and sometimes I get that embarrassing lower-lip-quiver when I think about it too long. You guys put the love in YHL.
Time flies when you’re having fun (and meeting, moving, marrying, starting a blog, having a baby, writing a book, and otherwise holding on the for ride). Are you guys somewhere you’d never imagine you’d end up five years ago? We’re so thankful that we started this random little blog, and so very humbled that you guys have become a part of our lives and created this completely unexpected way of life for our family. We love you. Truly. Now somebody get me a tissue.
Psst- Itching to learn more about blogging as a business? So are we. Just kidding. Well, I’m half serious since we’re definitely still learning as we go. But here’s a giant collection of posts about how our blog baby grew, how we make money, how we spend our time, how we get sponsors, and a lot of other behind the scenes blogging stuff (like paying quarterly taxes, becoming an LLC, getting our own health insurance, etc).
Congratulations!! You deserve all the success you have. I didn’t realize how long I’ve been following you; this makes 3 years. I can’t wait for the book!
I met my husband 5 years ago! He now has a PhD, I have two Master’s Degrees, and we have a baby! Time FLIES. I’m glad you guys conveniently started a blog around when my husband and I started dating; that was a great present you two came up with for us ;).
Aw, it’s so much fun to hear everyone’s stories!
xo
s
just curious. how did you build this timeline? Is there a program, site, or did you just do it from scratch in photoshop or something?
We did it in Photoshop. It’s just one very long image that we imported into the post.
xo
s
Congrats! Looking forward to many more blogiversaries!
I just found your blog two weeks ago, and have read through every post (nursing baby= lots of blog reading time). We own a 1950’s ranch in Houston, so I can appreciate the love you have for your house :) Thanks for being so entertaining, and giving such good info on DIY. I can now show my husband your posts and say… “see, it’s not sooo bad to do xyz :)” Congratulations on your success, and sharing your house and lives with the readers :)
Wow, and to think I’ve been reading for almost the entire time! (4 of the 5)
I feel like you’re my friends, and yes, my husband (who has never read your blog) knows so much about you 4! I am still waiting for the day that I see you around Ikea or thrifting! Maybe before we move from VA…hopeful thinking :-)
Haha, I bet we’ll bump into you this year. It’s bound to happen at Ikea or a thrift store.
xo
s
Congrats!! Thanks for all the amazing content and entertainment – keep up the great work! :)
LOVE you guys! SO happy for you! And did that say TWO book deal?! Yay!
I know, right?! We try not to think about book 2 because sometimes it makes our heads explode. Haha. Book #1 is like a baby, so we want to space them out a little so we can breathe. Haha!
xo
s
I Love, Love, LOVE that a happy couple has success just being themselves. Your blog is good for my soul. I’m known for being an Eeyore – a bit of a cynic – and your blog gives me a little sunshine every day. (Corny 80s and 90s references a bonus.)
Happy Anniversary!! Wow it’s crazy looking back isn’t it! 5 years ago I had just returned home from a year long rtw trip and was adjusting to living with my parents and working full time. Now I am back in my university city (where I wanted to be all along) with a house and a fiancee of my own.
I am even more excited about what the next 5 years holds!!
xox
Wow, what an awesome ride. Thanks for taking me along for part of it!
Happy blogiversary! Wow, you’ve had a busy five years! Cheers to the next five!
gosh! It’s already time for another blogiversary? I feel like it’s only been a few months since your last one..
Time Flies!
Congrats, guys!
scary to say.. but I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now (what?!? years?!?!) and I think you’re awesome. And am so happy/proud at how far you’ve come.. and can’t wait to see all the you accomplish in the next 5 years!
:)
I’ve been reading your blog everyday for 3 years and this is my first comment! I love you guys and your story. You are awesome. Congrats on your 5th blogiversary and your book!!
Thanks so much Sarah!
xo
s
5 years! Congrats! I’ve been checking in with you daily for about 2.5 years now and I still love your blog. Keep doing what you do so well.
Awww…love you guys! Happy Blogiversary!! I found you guys in DIY magazine, so I’ve been a follower since about 2008/2009, and you just keep getting better! Here’s to many, many more years!
Congratulations, P. family for five awsome years!
I’ve been reading YHL since TYH and you’ve actually become a part of the family!
You make me laugh and sometimes tear up and I’m absolutely in love with Clara, she’s such a sweet little girl! (don’t worry, I’m not dangerous!)
I wish you all the love, health and luck in the world. That’s pretty much what everybody needs, right?!
Love form Portugal!
Aw thanks Ana! Lots of love from Richmond to ya!
xo
s
Huge achievement, you should be proud! Aside from wanting to offer you my congratulations, I also noticed two spelling mistakes in your timeline:
“MonHTly blog traffic hits 1 million” (“Monhtly” should be “Monthly”)
and
“WOAH. Win Apt Therapy Homies” (“Woah” should be “Whoa”)
I hate being that person, but I figured if I had a public face and made a typo or two, I’d want to know! Kind of like if I’ve got lipstick on my teeth or when I’ve left my fly down by accident.
Best of luck for the next five years, looking forward to reading the book when it comes out!
Thanks Amy! We fixed one of them. but missed the Whoa one. Oops!
xo
s
congratulations! I love reading how you’re living your dream and passion.
Since the 5 year anniversary is wood and silverware, I’m surprised there’s no wood or utensil theme going on :)
BTW – on my list of people I would like to meet, I voted for Mike Holmes. But .. I would have loved to write in a vote for .. Ana White, Emily Henderson and Chip Wade & John Gidding.
Haha, all worthy folks to meet! We met Ana and she’s awesome! So gorgeous and amazing with power tools. She’s like the new Angelina. Haha. And Emily Henderson is really nice (we’ve chatted on the phone but never met in person).
xo
s
I just wanted to say thanks to you both for showing me that it IS possible for someone with minimal prior construction/carpentry/general handyman skills to pretty much build or create anything I want.
I thought that I could DIY some home stuff to save money and then have it exactly like I wanted, but received little support from family when I said something like “We could probably make our own closet build-ins/ottoman/patio/fill-in-the-blank home want.” ;) Now, thanks to you, I’ve SHOWN them who’s boss, ha ha.
Wahoo! Go Jenn!
xo
s
Aww what a lovely timeline, look at all you’ve accomplished! Hooray!
Aww! A happy anniversary deserves this: http://youtu.be/DINuAWoxy4Q (It’s the Flintstones Anniversary song, so you don’t worry about weird links–it’s my standard Happy Anniversary greeting :)
Congratulations on your accomplishments; I love your blog even though I’m a very relative newcomer–didn’t discover it until just after I bought my own little house (downsized from a 1250 sq ft condo to a 725 sq ft house)–but I quickly fell in love and now your blog is part of my daily reading list.
Many wishes of good things, happiness and successful DIYs for the future!
Hahah! Thanks for that anniversary surprise. Hilarious.
xo
s
5 years ago, I was in my only other long-term relationship, in school. Now I am close to engaged and living in our first apartment together :)
Happy 5 years, holy cow! I have been hooked on you guys since my friend introduced me to YHL in 2009. Always so fun to read and so glad you added life.younghouselove.com :) Clara’s so cute.
Five years ago, I didn’t know my fiance and I still had a crappy job. Since then, we’ve both acquired better jobs and he put a ring on it three weeks ago. We’re so pumped! It’s wild how much life can change and take you different places. Keep doing what you’re doing …and make a book tour stop in ATLANTA!
Wahoo! Congrats Melanie! So exciting!
xo
s
So happy it’s blogiversary week!! I love these weeks. And congratulations on 5 wonderful years you guys. Since I started reading your blog about a year and half ago, you’ve consistently put a smile on my face, each and every day you posted. Thanks for all the hard work you do in making this blog such a lovely place for us readers to check in and enjoy s’darn much ;) Wishing you many, many more years of success doing what you love and what you’re so obviously great at!
congratulations on 5 years!! so much has happened :) love y’alls blog and your willingness to share!!!
Congratulations, you guys! I found you when I was perusing theknot.com while wedding planning back in 2009. Someone had posted a link to your backyard wedding post, and I’ve been hooked on ya ever since! You continue to be an inspiration (my house wouldn’t look as cute as it does now without you), and your posts are always one of the highlights of my day. Thanks for being you!
Happy Anniversary!! I check your blog on every day (unless I’m on vacation LOL). Not only do I learn a lot, but you guys are just fun. Best of luck to you in the next 5 years – can’t wait to hear what’s in store for YHL.
Also, in one post, Sherry, you wrote that you try to “do everything with love”. I wrote that on a post-it note at my desk and it’s truly a great reminder for how I want to approach life. See… you are way more than just a DIY blog!!! :)
Have a great day!
Aw, that’s so sweet about the post-it Jennifer!
xo
s
Congratulations on reaching five years!
love that timeline. I found your blog when you were featured on the nest and you two crazy kids really helped me create a home that I love to come home to everyday. Thank you!
Congrats!! Wow, that last year flew by.
Here’s to another five years of success!
Cheers!
I love the timeline! It really gives me insight into what you all have done as I have only been following you for about a year! WOW, you guys are awesome! If I may, do you have a post on how you attracted more people to your site? Thanks a ton, the four of you are truely inspriational… yes, even you Burger! ;)
Sure, here’s that post for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/09/how-did-we-get-here/
xo
s
YAYAYAYAY!!! I love blogiversity week!!! HAPPY 5 YEARS you blog rockstars!
Happy 5th blogiversary! Love your blog, it’s my daily treat ^.^ Keep up the great work! xxxxx
Just discovered your blog a few months ago & absolutely love you guys!
Your sense of humor is a breath of fresh air for me!
The last few years of my life has been consumed with Chinese adoption blogs….Love the DIY blogs.
Now it’s time for me to kick it into gear & live my hobby of DIY/homedecor.
Thanks for all you do!
Anne
Happy Blogoversary! The time line was such a great idea… I don’t think I had ever seen Clara’s middle name before today. Such a beautiful name. Looking at the time line it really is insane how much your blog has been steadily growing over the years. Such a blessing for you guys.
Aw thanks Krystle! My father’s name is Ken and my great aunt (who sadly passed away last year) was named Lee. She was so thrilled to share Clara’s middle name with my dad.
xo
s
I am just so impressed by how well you all have done and like others have said, I think it comes down to how well you write and how heartfelt it is. Can’t wait to get my hands on the book and the future second book. Perfect timing too – I can read it and study up on ideas to put to use when we finally move out of our 857 sq. ft. apartment. Never thought I’d be in the same place for SIX years. Love it and hate it but it’s definitely our home.
Happy blogiversary! Please tell me there will be a book signing in Charlottesville!
We sure hope so! Will keep you posted!
xo
s
Love it! You guys are so great! I haven’t tried any of your projects yet (but about to do a rain barrel!!!) but just coming to your site inspires me so much! I’m currently working on refurbishing a piece of crap dresser into an awesome media console! One step left! I think it would get the YHL stamp of approval. ;)
Congrats on 5 amazing years!! Here’s to 5×50 more :)You two..three…four (have to count Burger!) have been such an inspiration that DIY can be simple and straightforward. My first DIY project was from your website. So thanks for the inspiration and laughs. You keep it real yo!
Wishing you continued success with the book, life and family.
xoxo
Aw, I just love you guys. Love how you’ve created such an awesome life! It’s inspirational to me.
Happy Happy Anniversary! Thank you so much for inspiring your readers to get down and dirty and save a little dough. There’s something much more gratifying doing it yourself! Raising my glass to many more years!
I look forward to YHL Blogiversary week the entire year. I have been known to go back and watch old videos from time to time. Can’t wait to see what is on tap this year. Congrats!!!
Wow! You guys have accomplished so much in just five years! Congratulations!!!!! Truly a well-deserved blogverrsary for you both!!! although I have only started following you guys for a couple of months, I can say, that your blog is truly one of the best out there – it’s fun, quirky, funny, touching, but most of all, when I read your blog I feel everything you do is heartffelt, and I think thats the key to your success! keep ’em coming guys and again a big congratulations!
Congrats!! 5 years is quite a milestone in blogging!! This blog has become my #1 and it’s my first stop in the am when I get to work. You are the cutest family and your DIY updates are always so inspiring. Can’t wait for the next 5 years AND your books!!! :)
Gotta say happy 5 years to you guys! Five years ago I had an 8 week old baby, a dog, and a husband halfway across the world. Home ownership was just a dream, something I imagined on long walks with my Sophia. Funny how hard memories become fond . . .
I’m 30, about to be 31. Thanks for making me feel old by forcing me to check that I’m in “my thirties”. :( Five years ago I was living in Boston with a long distance boyfriend. Now we’re married and living in Tennessee while I get my PhD. WHAT!?!
Haha! I felt that way too (I was John’s test-quiz-taker to make sure it was working). I think there should be a 20s and 30s button – just keep it all one category. Hahah!
xo
s
I just love you guys, been following you for almost two years now, and I am about 1/2 way done with reading your older stuff. You are such an inspiration to so many, and to fellow bloggers, and DIYers alike. On my bucket list-to meet Y’all…almost made it to Richmond to the comedy club, but alas, not this time, but soon.
Aw, you’re so sweet Toni! I’m sure we’ll meet you someday! Maybe for book tour stuff!
xo
s
Wow time flies! Thank you for letting us be a small part of your lives everyday and bringing us inspiration, entertainment and motivation!
Happy Anniversary!!! I’ve so enjoyed your blog over the years. I still remember when you had to change your blog name. I was telling my hubby about that and he never knew there was such a patent on that name even though they were so different. Anyway, off tangent …. Congrats again. I can’t wait to read more about whatever upcoming things you do. :)
Just in the last 6 months my husband found a new job in my hometown, so we sold our house in Oklahoma and moved to North Dakota. Never in a million years I would be here in my new house.
Happy 5th, y’all! Thanks for taking us along for the ride! Love your blog. :)