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).
Britt says
Congrats!! I seriously am amazed and inspired by you daily! I recently moved 1,000 miles away with my new hubby and have a quatrillion projects to do in our new home, but you keep me going with your inspirations and step by step posts. I love spending a sliver of my day with you two. Thanks for what you do!
Britiney @ Consider the Lilies says
You guys are awesome. Hugest congrats. And it says a LOT that you still respond to so many comments. Even with millions of hits a month. Crazy! xo
Tara says
Congratulations to you both. Love that you have stayed true to yourselves (I think??) :) the entire time and are so modest about everything. When does the reality TV show happen?!?!??
Or is that in 2013? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hah, we have actually said no to TV since we’re happy to hide behind our laptops. Haha. I mean I was a maniac on Nate Berkus, I can’t imagine how scary a show would be ;)
xo
s
Laura says
so i was answering the q’s and on the last one, the next john and sherry should totally have been a choice. guess i’ll just have to be me! :) congrats on the anniversary!
Andrea says
Today is my first wedding anniversary so I look forward to sharing many anniversaries with you guys in the future!
Congratulations and lots of love!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s sweet!
xo
s
Paula says
Congrats for the blogiversary 5!!!!! woow! I read your blog almost every day, you’re a cute and lovely family!!
Besos form Barcelona! ;-)
Paula
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Paula!
xo
s
Anika says
Such a cute timeline – I really, really enjoy getting to dive a bit deeper into your lives and backgrounds and behind-the-scenes fun during blogiversary week! Can’t wait for the other posts this week.
(I know it’s been said a million times on here already but I have to ditto that I think you guys are awesome and I really enjoy how honest you guys are, and the fact that you both contribute to this blog – gives it a lot more depth and helps all the posts feel genuine. Hope you guys are able to celebrate many, many more blogiversaries in the years to come!)
Stephanie M. says
The timeline was interesting – I “discovered” y’all from The Nest magazine right after I got married in 2008. Oddly enough, the CD holder that you hung on the wall as a shelf in your bathroom was my first little DIY inspiration, lol. My hubby built me a similar looking shelf with his manly hands, first thing he’d built! And it’s STILL never been hung. ha. It currently holds our 19 month old’s book collection so it DID come in handy for something! Thanks guys! Much love!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s cute! Happy hanging!
xo
s
Kay says
This was lovely and yes, a bit tear inducing. It’s just so nice to see nice things happening to nice people!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Kay! Sniffle.
xo
s
Katherine says
Congratulations!
You have a Winning combination.
While your blog numbers are incredibly impressive, it is how humble and down to earth you both are that is the most impressive of all.
Carly says
I swear you just did blogiversary 4 a couple months ago!!! I think I’ve been reading about 4 years! Love y’all. Can’t wait for the book to come out.
Brandan WH says
Congratulations! Yours was the very first blog that I ever subscribed to and now I am completely hooked! I get annoyed when I see you make something because I know that I don’t have the time or the motivation to do it, but you all are still the best!
Thanks for making me think I can do stuff even when my husband just wishes that I would just sit down and chill out ;0
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahah!
xo
s
Carolyn L says
I entered the give-away, and thought out loud ‘Now onto the FUN posts!’ Not that give-aways aren’t FUN, but I come here to read and admire and learn! Congratulations! The timeline is so amazing.. Every time your blog hits increased, I got SERIOUS CHILLS! Wild!!! You deserve everything wonderful!
Mig says
Congrats!!! You are amazing and I love your family.
I had to check “something stuck in my teeth” because nothing else applied… LOL!
Ellie says
Congratulations and a Happy 5th blogiversary!!!
Been with you guys since 2009. Sometimes I feel like being part of your wonderfull family. Its so awsome (and a little weird ;-)) that you let all of us in to your lifes every single day. Your blog (as well as the bowerpower one) are the first for met to read every morning. Always disapointed when its a giveaway because I live in Europe and have no acces to them. But hey, you make a lot of people very happy and that is what counts. I hope to experiance another 5 years (maybe even a second kid??!!) and can only wish you 2, Clara, Burger and everyone you love, lots of light, peace, health, happiness and everything you wish for. Hugs from The Netherlands.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Ellie!
xo
s
Amy says
Congrats on a big milestone. You guys are awesome! Keep on keepin’ on.
Shelby L says
Hey guys! I didn’t see the timeline….wondering why it didn’t show up?? Would love to see it! You guys pretty much designed our new house! :)
Deanna says
Congrats you two (4?)! It’s no wonder you are celebrating 5 – we LOVE you :) Thanks so much for helping make my day, every day, when your blog post pops up and I get to take a break from work. You two are so inspirational and motivating and I just want to get going on owning our own house so we can do a fraction of the awesome things you do with your lovely home.
P.S. Can we start taking bets now on how many entries you are going to get for the giveaway today? (I am putting myself in at 32k – that’s probably not even enough, but I don’t have the energy to go back and look at previous giveaways to estimate better, haha :)
Deanna says
Oh it caps out! Better odds :)
Jaclyn says
Yes I did get a little teary looking at your progress…also because of hormones as it’s the first time I could tick ‘bun in the oven’! Yay, thanks for that little checkbox it made my day. Now to tell the boss…
YoungHouseLove says
Aw! That’s so sweet. Good luck with the boss!
xo
s
Deanna says
I doubt if you will see this considering there are over 400 comments already, but I am one of your older readers and just adore your little family. I have three children of my own, the oldest is married and about to have our first grandson.
Getting to know you both along with Clara and of course Burger has made it much easier to relate to my daughter-in-law and what my kids are going through as they set up house and negotiate the world. Thank you so much for that.
I do have an offer. I was beyond excited to see you set up a small dollhouse for Clara. I make collector quality 1/12 scale dollhouse foods. I no longer sell my items so I’m not looking for publicity or exposure. If you never mention me by name, I’m good with that. Selling only turns my hobby into work and with three children and a full time job I have enough work. LOL
If I were to make Clara a food setting, would you allow me to send it to you? Of course I would glue down any dishes so that nothing was a good “swallowing” size. I would love to make her a little meal setting and am more than willing to send it through a third party.
Deanna
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, you’re so sweet Deanna! We unfortunately don’t accept freebies just to keep it real and so that we don’t feel weird accepting special treatment. Your stuff sounds amazing though, so I’d love to see a link or a photo and then maybe I can take inspiration from it! I love dollhouse stuff and it sounds like your things are so much fun!
xo
s
Nelle says
Congratulations on 5 years!!!! That’s really incredible!!
Megan says
Congratulations! I’m so impressed with your success, you have so much to be proud of! I’ve been following for about as long as Miss Clara has been around– and I always, always, always love to read your work! Thank you for continuing to be creative, lighthearted, humble, determined, and for showing such a wonderful example of what family love & talent can do! Here’s hoping you’re taking a moment to bask in the compliments which (I’m sure!) are coming from far and wide!
:-)
Megan
Ashleigh says
The poll needed another option….I want to be the next John and Sherry…..
YoungHouseLove says
Awww, that’s so kind of you!
-John
Jess says
Wow I can’t believe how long I have been following you guys! I found your blog in 2008 after I got engaged and was searching for wedding inspiration. So I poked around a little further and got hooked. I’ve been here ever since! I totally feel like a creepy stalker McStalkerton when I write a comment to you guys because I know so much bout you but you know nothing of me. For the record, I’m 24, live in eastern Australia by a really big lake and am about to head on a world trip with my partner and our good friends. Thanks for all the blogging! http://www.themarriedtravellers.wordpress.com
Erin Squires says
Congratulations! You really should be proud – your blog is unbelievably awesome!! I read it every.single.day and can’t wait for your posts to pop up in my reader. When I mention a DIY or decorating idea to my husband he says “is it your idea – or did you steal it from that blog you always read?” Ha ha. (It’s usually one I’ve ‘stolen’). Keep up the good work! Can’t wait for the book!
Jen says
Congratulations!!! Here’s to 5 more!!
Dorothy from oz says
Congratulations on 5 years. I just love your blog & check it nearly everyday.
You need to change one survey response – Australia or New Zealand? That would be like making you tick an US or Canada button – and surely that would irk people to lump you two together? We have major rivalry going on :)
Pretty please can Oz have it’s own button next year.
With Gratitude, your loyal reader from Australia (or New Zealand)
YoungHouseLove says
You’re too funny, Dorothy. We’ve clearly still got a learning curve on the intricacies of that region. Last year we got dirty looks for not including New Zealand as an option so we were trying to learn our lesson. Next year we’ll get it! :)
-John
Mel says
Ha as an Aussie I totally agree !!!
Congratulations on 5 years, I think I have been reading since early 2009, cannot wait to see how many Aussie readers you have :)
I think I might go back through the archives to see if I remember the first post I read, I think it was from a link from Ali Edwards?
Ally says
High-Five on Numero Five, Youngsters! :)
I’ve been with you since the “This *****/*** House” days of yore :)
Come to think of it, I don’t have the foggiest recollection of how I first “found” your blog? However, it’s now the very 1st thing I check on the interwebs :)
Cheers to Many Many More Happy Anniversary’s! :)
xox
Theresa Granados says
I am truly inspired! Seeing the timeline puts everything into great persepective. I hope to have accomplished half of what you have done in 5 years! Congratlaations!!
Christina says
Congrats on FIVE years! I celebrate ONE year at the end of this week (hey, you gotta start somewhere :)
I always love this week on your blog – can’t wait to read all the blogiversary posts this week :)
And somehow I missed the HGTV appearance?? do you have a link for that? what show was it?
YoungHouseLove says
Happy almost 1 year! Lots of folks don’t make it that long so congrats!
Here’s a link to the HGTV clip. We were on the (now defunct) Rate My Space: https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/01/our-rate-my-space-clip/
-John
Meghan says
Congratulations! Love your blog and your anniversary posts! I have been looking forward to it for some time :-)
Lauren O'C says
as a newbie-ish reader, i LOVED the timeline. strong work, from start to finish. as a new homeowner, i often turn to you to remind myself (and my husband) that this whole home-loving-project is FUN. All the best.
Kara says
Congrats on a fabulous five, and thanks for sharing all of your adventures along the way! Love your ‘keeping it real’ style!
Marie Kovarik says
Congratulations! I’m so proud of you guys for coming so far. You are an inspiration to me. I don’t remember how I even came across your blog, but now I read it every day. Actually, it’s the highlight of my day.
Laura says
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!! Just a quickie ;) I luuuurve you guys! so inspirational! (doing ugly lower lip quiver!)
KathyL says
Congratulations!! I either start or finish my day with you guys. every day. goodnight.
Angela says
I love this! Congratulations! You two are so humble, hard working, fun, and relatable. I’m so glad you blog and I’m so glad blogging is such a great fit for you!
Tara says
Found your blog about a year ago, and have been visiting every week day since! Thanks for sharing your time and talents with us! Love your style – both your home and your writing. :)
Jessibee says
Congratulations! I’ve been coming to your “house” for so long my day wouldn’t feel right without it. I would miss you guys like I knew you “in real life”! Actually forget real life…I like you guys a million times more than most everyone I know in real life. Here’s to the next Five!
Willa says
Congratulations on 5 years of ever-increasing success! Your timeline reminds me how much I am in awe of your energy!
You should know that I did my first YHL inspired DIY project this past weekend–ORB’d the post that holds my month-old rain gauge. And does it look sharp! Blends into my flower bed much better now, too. I just followed your directions and am so pleased with the results. THANKS!
YoungHouseLove says
Woo hoo! Welcome to the ORB fan club!
-John
Marie says
Just got the October American Baby in the mailbox and there was Clara’s room!
YoungHouseLove says
No way! We didn’t even know about that. Can’t wait to check it out!
xo
s
cali says
It feels weird to say but I’m so proud of you guys! I’ve been reading for SO LONG (I first learned of YHL when you were on the nest cover.) You’ve accomplished so much in such a short time and its all because of your hard work, love of what you do and dedication. You guys are inspirational and I can’t wait to see how much further you can go(I mean…you’ve been on Forbes! How can it get better!?)
Lots of love! Happy blogiversary.
Sydnie F. says
Congratulations on five years! Thanks for always keeping it interesting and honest, I really appreciate your ability to make difficult things seem more possible. You guys totally deserve all of your success and I hope there is more to come for your family! Good luck in the next five!
Nancy says
Congrats to you both! I am new to your blog(6 months), but I have enjoyed every post and have been inspired by many of your ideas. Thanks to you guys and my sweet hubby I am proud to say I have my very own clothespin chandelier! I have always been so in awe of people who have a dream and actually go out on a limb to pursue it. Keep up all the hard work.
Libby says
I’m a new YHL convert- my friend just introduced me this past February. Since then you have inspired me to paint our front door, finally start a compost bin, and just do little things to make our house a home.We just finished our patio a few weeks ago, after m husband reviewed all of John’s patio posts. I look forward to reading your blog everyday, and love that in conversations about DIY with the hubs, you are always referenced. Thanks so much with sharing your lives with us!
Alyce says
Hey, how can I be the next Martha Stewart if there’s no “Gettin’ my craft on” option for my idea of a good time?! Oh well, I’ll just have to be Tina Fey.
Happy fifth-ivversary!
Dawn says
I’m a newbie but I’m so thankful that I stumbled upon your blog. My husband and I (married in May) just bought our first house (end of July). It’s 45 yrs old and proving to have way more challenges than we expected. Trolling through your archives gives this girl with no green thumbs that doesn’t know how to use a power tool hope that we can conquer this beast that we love and make her ours. Thanks so much for your tips and inspiration and I’m looking forward to the next five years (and beyond).
Paige says
You guys rock! I love reading your blog. It’s super fabulous. Loved the timeline. I’d even love to see links back to some of your first posts. How ’bout it?
YoungHouseLove says
If you scroll to the bottom of any page there’s a little button that says “last” on the bottom left of the bottom post on the page. That will take you to the very first post we ever wrote and you can click forward from there!
xo
s
Jen says
Congrats you guys!!! That is one lovely timeline. Four-ish years ago, I stumbled upon your blog (somehow) and have enjoyed following your journey(s) ever since :) My husband and I have moved so many times and things are always changing. We’ve recently relocated (again!) and are feeling a little strange, as we usually do in the early stages of being somewhere new. I’m so glad, and so grateful that my morning (and evening) visits to YHL are constant :D So thrilled for you guys. So neat to see all the changes and success!!!! much love to yas!
LauraCinIndy says
Congrats! My sister got me hooked on your blog about three years ago..It’s now a part of my daily routine to see what you’re up to. I’ve gotten so many helpful tips from you..My home thanks you :)
Laura