Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Blogiversary III: It’s On

Woo to the hoo. We’re celebrating three amazing years of sharing our adventures (and misadventures) in home improvement with you guys in this virtual place that we call home. So you know what that means… some blogiversary madness is about to ensue.

Year four is sure to be full of projects, both big and small. And we always like to use our blogiversary week to share some inside scoop and kick off the next 365 days right. This week we’re planning lots of fun stuff, from a video with some insanely ugly shots of our house before every single project that we chronicled on the blog (let’s just call the footage “vintage”) and some behind the scenes info about how we live and work and do pretty much everything in between.

Blogiversary1

Oh and we have a pretty exciting blogiversary giveaway, so stay tuned for that later this afternoon. But first we’ll serve up this email answer:

Q: Have you two ever written a “typical day in the life of” post? I just finished reading about your latest project and realized that every time I read your blog (after a profound sense of “FANTASTIC!”), I wonder how you schedule to get done all that you appear to be doing (house projects + two blogs posts a day + mood boards/other work + responding to comments so frequently + baby + all the rest that comes with life and house maintenance), and I would be fascinated to know if you have any scheduling/time-saving tips. I’m a very organized, list-maker, and master-scheduler myself, and I still can’t figure out how you do it. Regardless, WELL DONE! – Constance

The funny thing is that Southern Flourish magazine (hooray for free online glossies!) actually asked us to write a day in the life post for their latest issue, which conveniently hit the interweb just last week. Everything from diaper changes and Clara feedings to projects and post writing is in there. Heck, we even detailed what we ate for breakfast. Oh the glamour! So you can check out those deets right here (click to read):

And click here to flip through the entire issue of Southern Flourish. Gotta love free online inspiration.

On the subject of Constance’s question about if we have any scheduling or time-saving tips, we must admit that we’re definitely in the “still learning” phase of baby juggling. We naively thought that John coming on once Clara was born would kick us into turbo speed, but two adults plus one baby pretty much equals one lone ranger who gets to blog all by their lonesome while the other parent is on baby duty. No matter how many people told us that a baby was a full time job we somehow thought we’d have more wiggle room to get things done. But the good news is that we’re getting much more efficient after a fair amount of experimentation and flexibility. When Clara naps we’ve learned to use that time to dive into projects (an hour at a time, until she wakes up and we wait for the next nap to finish what we started). We also give thanks every day for the miracle that is babywearing (Clara + baby carrier = hands free typing/cleaning/project-ing/etc). And we’re not too proud to occasionally eat cereal for dinner, or do anything else that we can do to squeeze a few more precious moments out of each day.

Plus we’re getting better at taking photos, writing posts, answering comments, and doing all those other blog duties even faster (seriously, you should see us size pics for web, we’re a blur I tell ya)… which leaves more time for makeovers and projects and of course some Clara lovin’ as well. One thing we’ve noticed is that we’re faster when we focus on one task and complete it instead of trying to multitask (which results in running around chaotically and somehow getting less done) so we do our best to systematically cross things off as we go instead of trying to do a million things at once. So our secret is less of a miracle cure-all and more of a learn-as-you-go-and-do-whatever-works-best approach. Oh and we definitely believe in list making (in fact John whispers “my list!” as we leave the house since I often get into the car, shout “my list!”, and run back into the house for it since I never like to be without my beloved piece of paper with little boxes that I check off as we accomplish things).

And although we’re pretty busy these days, we’re just counting our blessings that we were able to have John come work full time on YHL so we have someone to be on baby duty while the other one of us can devote time to YHL, because we can’t imagine what the state of the blog would be if there weren’t two of us around to switch hit. And the best-of-all news is that Clara is so worth the trouble. Seriously, we don’t know what we ever did without her. Plus she makes us want to feather our nest even harder (er, better?) with her precious needs and wants in mind.

Stick around for the rest of the blogiversary hijinx (cue the parade of homeowners marching by with hammers and paint rollers). We can’t wait to crack YHL open and share all the gooey goodness inside…

Comments

  1. Rachel says

    I’m excited for this week’s posts! And Sherry, you look so pretty in that pic. I also love the pops of green on the desk.

    Reply

  4. Mike @HA says

    CONGRATS! That’s a good chunk of blogging! I can’t wait to see the rest of the blogiversary week :) We’ve been transitioning too, I got married this summer and my wife is a teacher so she had every day off. Now she’s back to working full time and our house projects have slowed waaaay down. Seriously, we make dinner, clean, work on a project for an hour and it’s time for bed already. Think we’ll get used to it?

    Reply

  5. Clare says

    Congrats you four!! Even though I am new to reading your blog I cant get enough of it! I am so inspired by your house and your life and love everything you guys do! You make me realize that I can make my house look beautiful too! And youve inspired creative ides for gifts for my husband too! Thank yoU! Keep up the amazing job…cant wait to see whats in store for this week!

    Reply

  7. Sam G says

    Happy Blogiversary!! I’m so glad I found you guys almost 2 years ago! You’ve provided such great inspiration. Looking forward to what you have in store for us this year!

    Reply

  14. Sarah says

    Ah! I’m so excited for this week! It’s my favorite blog week of the year! :-)

    Loved the story in Southern Flourish – kudos!

    Reply

  15. Amy says

    Wow, just read the feature, and your lives seem positvely….easy. Which is what I expected from two people that don’t work! I’m in awe of those bloggers that do everything with a full time job and kids (although admittedly, there are very few of them).

    Reply

  16. Jennifer says

    Happy Blogiversary!! You have no idea the inspiration you have provided…I cut a poem out of an advertisement this week end and framed it in a frame that had been sitting empty in the basement forever…I thought to myself, John and Sherry would be so proud of this little fab freebie I’ve put together here! Best wishes for year FOUR!!!!!!

    Reply

  18. Christine says

    Happy Blogiversary! Thanks for 3 great years of posting!

    I didn’t catch on until now that you were both working from home full-time, tats fantastic and great for Clara too!

    PS now I don’t feel as bad about neglecting my blog!

    Reply

  19. Kari says

    I just want to say that I am so glad that 3 years ago you decided to start blogging about your kitchen remodel. You’re a source of not only knowledge and encouragement, but also of happiness. You never get down over a botched project, but instead make the most of it and move on. You two are an inspiration in life. I’m so, so glad the blogosphere is your home. I know that my life wouldn’t be the same without you–I’d never have thought I could install my own hardwood floors or refinish my own desk. You two rock!!! Well, and so does Clara–I love all of her expressions!

    Reply

  20. Janene says

    Well, gosh, I just love you guys! Congrats and Happy Blogiversary – keep up the great work!

    PS- tell Burger that his long-distance admirer sends her love – she goes by Moka, but I usually call her my Moka-Boca-Burger. She hates it.

    Reply

  21. Emily says

    How long after each post goes up to you respond to comments? Is there a statute of limitations? :)

    And, do you ever bug each other? Is spending so much time together ever a strain on your relationship? And, do you get cabin fever working out of your house?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Emily,

      We do our best to respond within an hour or so, but some days we can do better than that (and some days we’re a bit worse if we’re off doing a project or running to Home Depot for supplies). As for working together, John and I actually met in NYC where we worked together, so toiling away and then hanging out together is actually something we’re used to. We generally appreciate each other’s company, so although we’d never claim that we never fight or get annoyed with each other, we’re happy to do something that we love together every day. We definitely try to get in “me time” too (John goes for runs and plays racquetball with friends while I go to lunch or go shopping with the girls on weekends). As for cabin fever: yes! Which is why we love going for walks, running out for supplies, and taking road trips as much as we can!

      xo,
      s

  23. Alisa says

    You guys are SUCH an inspiration! I know this is really weird to say since I don’t actually know you guys, but I am so proud that you’ve been able to keep up with all the things you love to do and that Clara is 100% part of that. Sometimes, I click on the ads a couple extra times to show my support :)

    Reply

  28. Lisa says

    Happy Blogiversary!

    Thanks for not only all the design & DIY inspiration but also for inspiring us to finally get our own blog going this year.
    Loved the Southern Florish article too, it’s good to know I’m not the only one that watches America’s Next Top Model re-runs at lunch.
    Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for the next year.

    Reply

  29. Nataie says

    I SO WISH WE HAD A HOME GOODS!!!

    and an Ikea for that matter :(

    wiping my teary eyes!!

    Congrats guys!! Thank you for being my favorite part of the entire internet!!

    Natalie :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I know! I don’t know how he does it! Although sometimes he grabs a banana or a granola bar before running. Maybe the fact that he has a giant bowl of ice cream each night tides him over too. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  32. Caitie says

    Congrats you guys! I’m so excited. I also want to say Happy Birthday to Burger!! We’re birthday twins so I thought I should say happy birthday!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Caitie! Happy birthday to you! Burger’s living it up today (lots of treats and love) and tomorrow we actually have a Burger-related post to honor him. Should be fun!

      xo,
      s

  33. Dave K says

    Congrats to you both! I need to thank you for the midday inspiration everyday when I get bored at the office! I am not sure my wife is as impressed with you guys though, seeing I run home to her with new ideas that I say I got from the “young house site”… She isn’t as design crazed as I am, and gets sick of my never ending projects…

    Being a designer myself, it is great to see a couple my age share the drive and dedication I have to better our home.

    I’d like to raise my paintbrush to you both, and say “Cheers!”

    Reply

  34. Debbie says

    Happy Blogiversary! I’ve only been following your blog for a short time, but I’m already addicted to reading it. You guys have really made my mind start churning out ideas on what to do to my house.

    Reply

  35. kelsey says

    as a recent YHL follower, congrats on the 3 years! how great that you guys have been able to make a living doing something you are both obviously passionate about.

    i love reading about juggling the little one. we have a 21 month old and another due in 3 weeks and every month will bring a new challenge and change to your schedule – it is so funny looking back and thinking just when I had one stage figured out, bam he was on to a new one!

    can’t wait to see how it all unfolds and where this next year takes you both.

    Reply

  36. Kayakgirl73 says

    If a see a post that is a week or so old and comment on it, will you guys see the comments or do you not read comments on posts once a certain number of days has gone by?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We get little alerts for every comment people leave (whether it’s on an old post or a new one) so we do our best to respond to any and all q’s. Of course with over 1500 posts it keeps us busy sometimes- but we’re happy to help.

      xo,
      s

  37. Bet says

    Congratulations! I can’t help admiring ya’ll for creating a career around your home and blog. May you have many more years of fun and creativity and inspiration.

    When I was first directed to this blog by a friend of mine, and I saw the pic of the outside of the house, I immeadiately thought, “That house looks like it’s in Richmond!” I was right! I grew up in Richmond. ;-)

    And John, I can’t help saying WahooWA!

    Bet
    College of Arts and Sciences 1981
    Now in upstate NY

    Reply

  38. Carolyn says

    Loved reading the article about a day in your life. You guys have an amazing home and family–but I know you work hard on both and deserve every bit of your amazing life! Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us! :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks for all the kind words everyone! We’re counting our lucky stars that we have such amazing readers. You’re the best! We’re so happy to celebrate three exciting years with you guys (whether you just found us or have been reading since the very beginning)! We’re honored and thankful to have you.

      xo,
      s

  39. Mary says

    Love you all at YHL – John, Sherry, Clara, and Burger!!! Thanks for bringing so much joy into my life, and helping so much with my decorating. Happy Blogiversary!!!!!

    Reply

  42. Jennifer says

    Love the blog! I often wondered if I was the only person who wondered how you all got it done each day – nice to know I’m in good company!

    Oh and my hubby & I are huge Flipping Out fans too. Makes me think my OCD isn’t so bad :)

    Reply

  44. Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says

    Just finished reading the article, I really enjoyed it! Your day sounds incredibly busy, I still don’t understand how you can get so many posts out in a week, while also corresponding with sponsors, updating Burger’s blog, Clara’s pics, and Twitter and FB (so many things!). But I seriously commend you for it!

    I feel kinda guilty for asking you a question now that I know its probably taking you away from more important duties, but…

    What is your weekend schedule like? Do you unwind and take a lot of time away from the blog or are you putting similarly long hours in everyday??

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Laura,

      We usually work over the weekend if we’re not spending time with family, but we generally love blogging and taking on projects so it’s not like it’s torture to work 7 days a week!

      xo,
      s

  46. Patti says

    Happy Blogiversary! Very cool e-mag and article…isn’t it amazing how the day whittles away so fast when you have little ones? Anyway, just want you to know that before I found your site, my home was…let’s just say “not inspired”. Now I see things with new eyes and that is all thanks to you both! Rock on YHLovas!

    Reply

  47. Hope says

    Happy 3 year blog anniversary! Can’t wait for all the “blog anniversary” week posts.

    I have a home maintenance question..and please tell me if I’ve missed the answer in your “How To” section.

    We have recently bought our first home, a 1956 ranch :), and we are enjoying take care of it and making it our own.
    My mind is constantly running with alerts such as ‘shouldn’t we be checking the water heater?’, ‘what should we look for in attic maintenance?’, and ‘should we have the fireplace cleaned?’.

    Anyway..how can I properly keep track of all of these important home maintenance items? What do you do? Do you make a house calendar with all the dates of when maintanence items are due? An online reminder system?
    I want to make sure that we are taking care of our home and preventing any unforseen issues, and am trying to get in the groove of keeping it all organized.
    I appreciate your tips. Thanks for all of your great advice!
    Take care

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hey Hope,

      We have one sheet of paper with all the important house maintenance numbers (our termite checking guy, our hvac guy, our fireplace guy, our oil guy) and we make notes about when we had everything serviced/checked and when we have to do it again. It really helps to have everything on one piece of paper. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  48. Crystal says

    I discovered your blog a few weeks ago and I am officially hooked! I now check it every day. Congrats on the anniversary – I will be catching up on the past three years while enjoying the fourth!!

    Reply

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