This post was 3,000 words long. They all felt overly complicated and heavy and weird. I clicked delete. Then I just typed what we’re really feeling, complete with things we’ve never said out loud and even a few things we’ve never fully admitted to ourselves before.
The truth is that we love you guys. Like for real. Even for the tough love. We know you say it because you care (or hopefully you did at some point), and we want you to know we care right back. We want to do a good job. We want to do this with joy and excitement. We want to inspire you. We know this is an incredible way to have made a living and we are full of gratitude for the experience to have shared the last seven years of our lives with you guys online.
We would NEVER be here without you, and not a day goes by that we don’t know that. It’s why we asked for your feedback last week and read every last comment. We appreciate the honesty and the passion you guys have on the topic of making this blog great. And we agree with a lot of what was being said. We have been feeling off for a while – like we have lost our rhythm and we’re somehow missing the mark for ourselves and for you guys. We too miss the good old days when we did this for the love and were full of such obvious joy and spontaneity. This felt like a place we all hung out and it just doesn’t have that vibe anymore.
Over the years many amazing opportunities popped up for us. Things we never dreamed of doing in a million years, and things we’re incredibly grateful to have had the chance to experience. A book deal, curating paint picks with Benjamin Moore, a line sold at Target, a showhouse, etc. But in hindsight those things also made this feel a lot more like a business than a personal blog to many of you, and to us as well. We have actually ramped those down behind the scenes in an attempt to get back to our roots (we no longer do the BM color collection, the second book is mostly written, our products at Target have completed their run, and we finished the showhouse) but we never really made a big announcement about that – so it’s completely understandable that some of you might think we’ve moved on to those greener pastures and left the blog in the dust, so to speak. The reality is that our site propels the success of any outside project like a product or book, so we could never turn our backs on the blog and expect those items to continue to sell as well.
Not only have we felt this shift from “John and Sherry” to “Young House Love: The Brand”, but the blogosphere as a whole has become increasingly sponsored/corporate lately. We can see from the outside prospective as a reader, or even a fellow blogger, that it’s hard to read a blog post without suspecting some ulterior motive or money-making system behind it. Last week a few of you mentioned that we might need to keep giveaways around because they pay us well, which surprised us since they’re never something we accept payment for (we like to pass free things along to you as a thank you for reading).
Along with the whole business/brand thing that’s going on, and the side gigs that felt like they muddied the water for some of you, there are certainly other things we wish we had handled differently in hindsight. Just to name a few, there’s: being too defensive, over-explaining, letting things get in our heads and change our lighthearted approach, and the internal struggle between being transparent and oversharing personal details like a vacant new house without an alarm system (looking back we wish we’d handled our third house announcement differently). We know many of you felt insulted that we didn’t share more freely about that house, and we truly apologize.
Anyway, back to that whole “we’re sexy stumbling and you know it” thing. It’s endlessly frustrating to do a job that you love poorly, especially when it’s a blog baby that you’ve birthed yourself and nurtured for seven years. And especially when it’s such an amazing job that we once felt so inspired and joyful to wake up and do each day. What’s wrong with us? We know this is a dream job. We acknowledge it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We know most people who have built something like this would be more inspired than ever. It’s not that we lost the gratitude, I think it’s that we feel like we’ve fallen out of our groove. We feel like we’re letting you guys down repeatedly. It got to the point that every time we pressed “publish” we braced ourselves.
So in an attempt to stop stumbling around and feeling like we just can’t get it back, we’re taking a break. We don’t know exactly how long we’ll be stepping away, but our guess would be at least a month. We will certainly be exploring other options for supporting our family (something we mentioned we were considering back in April). We had that fiery blog-spark back when we had day jobs and did this as a hobby, so we think it could be a good change. We’ll also be taking a break on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, but the blog will stay public so you guys can access the archives whenever you’d like.
Our internal struggle and the state of this blog is entirely of our making, and we completely own that. Please don’t get mad at anyone for being honest with their feedback last week or accuse them of sending us packing. We have been struggling with that “something is off” feeling for a while now, and after way too much denial and “we’ll turn it around” pep talks, we finally asked for your feedback because we truly wanted to hear what you were thinking. It was cathartic and helpful for us. It has allowed us to very clearly see that if we have any respect for this blog and our love of it, and for you guys and what you’d like to see, we need to take a break if we ever want any hope of getting back to that fun/real/spontaneous place it used to be when this was something we did for the love instead of the high stakes game of supporting a family.
In summary: we love you, we thank you, and we hope you understand.
Leigh says
I think this break will be great. I’m a believer that breaks are needed every once in a while for those who are truly passionate about what they do. It’s because you care so much, maybe even too much, but it’s what makes you guys so good. And the thing with being so good is that you get to hear a LOT of opinions. I’ve really admired the way YHL has always stayed so positive, honest and open. It takes a lot of courage, so thanks for sharing your lives with us over the years! I wish you all the best and hope that this time allows you to focus on what really matters.
Aimee says
So sad :-( I will miss your posts every day, but completely understand. You have to do what is best for you and your family. Can’t wait to see you back here again!!
Darcie says
Have really appreciated you sharing your life and projects! Always have marveled at how you manage to do so much on top of raising your family and enjoying life. Hope you have an awesome break! People love the blog because you are authentic. Whatever the next chapter is, do what is right for you.
Christina says
I don’t usually comment, but have been reading your blog for years, squirreling away ideas until we bought our first home last year. I can’t tell you how many of the tutorials I’ve pinned and have used. I will miss you guys, and always looked forward to a new post each morning, but am happy you guys are taking the time away that you need. After Teddy was born, you guys seemed to be juggling too much, so I’m glad you’re stepping back for a bit.
Ruth says
John and Sherry,
I am usually a total lurker, but I have been devouring your blog for a few years now, and I couldn’t stay silent on this one. You guys are awesome, and inspirational. I will miss you in my reader feed, for sure, but I admire and respect you guys for deciding to pump the brakes. Whenever you come back, and in whatever direction you decide to take this bright, sunny, stylish corner of the web, you’ll have a loyal reader in me.
One of many,
Ruth
Marjory says
I have enjoyed your blog for many years! Thank you for sharing all your stories and ideas with us.
I remember when I found your blog. I had a job I didn’t like, and I spent a lot of time reading all your old posts. I am now a senior Interior Design major, and I hope to be having fun designing as soon as I graduate.
Thank you again for all the time you put into this blog. It helped me through some rough months at work.
Karin says
We love you and will miss you guys! It will be amazing to see how much Teddy has grown when you come back. Please, please come back after your well deserved break.
whitney says
I had a child in July of 2013. My heart was stolen and I couldn’t believe how my focus shifted away from everything else and was laser pointed at him. I’ve honestly been impressed with how you have kept up blogging…with two kids, not just the one I have. And not only blogging, but intense DIY projects. Family IS the most important, well behind the parent’s sanity and happiness. I commend you. and am envious. Kudos to you for realizing it and kudos to you for doing what is best for you. I’ll be here when you get back.
Miranda says
This was such a mindful post and so well written and genuine. I think you guys are doing the right thing! Enjoy some time to yourselves as a family. I don’t know why on earth people would be critical of something that is voluntary to read, but I assure you that when you come back so will your readers. I don’t actually read very many blogs…I’m a busy mom myself, but I always read yours. I feel like you are both so down to earth and have such a great take on parenting and making a home. I also wanted to say that I’m one of the people who love that you find thrifted items and make them beautiful, buy things that are often affordable etc. I like that things are valuable to you not because they are pricey and on trend, but often because you make them valuable and special to you. I mean really, you have this way of decorating your house without seeming materialistic and I think that is what clicks for me. Enjoy the reprieve. I’m rooting for you. :)
melissa says
This is the reason you guys are so loved. You write with such honesty and passion, and come across so genuine, it would be impossible to be upset at your absence. As a fellow entrepreneur, I can relate to so many of these feelings. That it’s so amazing and wonderful to have your “own” thing, but just because you’re your own boss doesn’t mean your “job” doesn’t come without sacrifice. Some days I imagine what it must be like to just go to work and come home. And when you’re at work you’re at work and when you’re at home you’re at home and there’s no carryover. What’s the saying about entrepreneurs? They’re the only people crazy enough to work 80 hours a week because they didn’t want to work 40? Something like that… I will greatly miss reading your updates but wish you the best of luck as you reflect on the choices ahead of you.
Mary says
You deserve a break! Given all the time that you spent doing two posts a day (yikes–how did you ever manage that?!?)–really, you’ve pre-worked this hiatus and then some. For what it’s worth, I really love this blog and seeing all your house projects (big *and* small) and the little snapshots of your life. And while the blog never felt ‘too corporate’ or like you ‘lost’ something to me–it also felt like you were doing far more (number of posts, multiple side projects) that you needed to if your goal was to keep readers like me checking in on a regular basis. If/when you start posting again, I will be back reading your posts! Mary
Kate says
I read this with tears in my eyes, because I know exactly what it feels like when your passion turns into your business, and the ability to flow out of passion gets superceded by the necessity of bringing home the bacon. As a wedding photographer, I started out purely for the love of photography & people. Over the years, the success of my business brought so many things, good and not-so-good. I love my clients, and I love that I get to make a living doing something creative, on my own schedule…but there are seasons where the spark just isn’t there, and every time I get up to go to work, I have to give myself a pep talk and muddle through somehow. Which is not good enough in a creative profession! I am proud of you for taking a step back to reassess. After seven years, you’ve earned a break. I found that I had a seven-year slump myself. I took a year, accepted only the jobs I wanted to do for personal growth, and came back stronger than ever. It was the best decision. I hope you enjoy your time of refocusing, rediscover your passion and voice, and are able to find the best thing for you all as a family. Blessings, and please know your absence will be felt. As a reader for 6 of your 7 years, I do feel like a friend is moving away. It’s quite bittersweet. I hope to see you all back on here, sooner than later, refreshed & inspired…but if not, best wishes & have a happy life!
Rachael says
In my profession (vocational ministry), sabbaticals are a natural part of the cycle of a pastorate. It’s required every seven years, and we take 3 months, not just one. I don’t know if you’re religious, so this might not make a difference to you, but even God rested on the seventh day.
What you are describing in your post sounds like textbook burnout. No matter how great the job is, how much you love it, or how perfect a fit it is, you can still be susceptible to burnout if you don’t allow for regular breaks. It’s easy to want to feed the beast- the internet is always “on,” so there will always be people who expect you to be “on” 24/7, but that’s just not sustainable. Keeping the internet happy is not worth your health and well being. I’ve loved reading your blog and will miss it, but if you decide to make a change- I hope you can find balance elsewhere.
Emily says
I’m pretty sure NO ONE on the internet needed to know you had purchased a vacant home without an alarm system before you were ready to share, so please don’t beat yourselves up over that one… I also don’t see how y’all did so much without a nanny! Also, I appreciate that while the blogger industry has gone bonkers, y’all have held on to your policies of not taking freebies or doing sponsored posts, to the point of giving away proceeds from the show home to Habitat. It’s one of the main reasons I’ve been the most attached to your blog over many others.
I’ve been reading since about 2008 (when someone sent me a link saying look at this cool UVA grad’s blog – wahhoowa), and I’ve changed, as have y’all – and I think thats good! That being said, we all suffer from burnout (even in dream jobs). It’s almost unheard of in our generation for folks to have had the same job for seven years! I hope that one or both of you come back later this fall ready to show your house (and readers) some love!
Amber says
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! This makes me so sad!!! I look for new updates from your blog every day! I love y’all like I know you in real life! I was totally inspired by all of the laundry room posts, I too have a terrible laundry room and I look forward to the day when I can transform mine as you have. I hope that you enjoy your break, you most definitely deserve it! I look forward to your return. Lots of LOVE from Oklahoma, Amber
N Shirley says
So sorry it has come to this! Be safe! Be happy! Bless your little family! I will enjoy reading your new book when it comes out!I still loved your first little house the best of all and enjoyed your blog more then, although I have been a faithful reader all along. Anyway, you will be missed. Nancy
Melanie says
You know what? This is your life, I am rather bummed that people are so nuts that their investment in time reading your blog makes them think they have a right to dictate or complain to you that you aren’t satisfying some need that they have. I hear what you are saying, that things just don’t feel right, and that is as good a reason as any to pull back for awhile, I just wish the anonymity of the internet didn’t make so many people feel entitled to let you know what they think you are doing wrong. I think most people feel incredible proud that that you guys have had such success beyond the blog. Success I might add, that the very people criticizing your work would jump on in a heartbeat. I know I would! Any I would probably overdo it and end up wondering when things got so crazy! Sure some criticism is constructive, I suppose, but honestly I think is causes a lot of damage as well. The original reason that was drawn to your blog were the super old posts you did, when you featured mood boards for people who would purchase that service from you…. that was waaaay long ago. When those started to get phased out I might have been a little sad to see them go, but I didn’t make me want to ask you guys to start doing something you didn’t really want to do anymore. I hope your time off from the blog helps you guys disconnect a bit, finish up a few projects, and spend more time with your babies. I love reading your blog, I’ll miss it, but I hope you guys find the right balance in your life to get to that happy place, YHL bloggers or not :)
Melissa says
Agreed!
Amy says
Sending you guys all the love in the world! You have been an inspiration through the purchase of my first home, a source of joy in tough personal times, and an absolute delight whether through your posts or in-person on the book tour (seriously, being in a pic with you two on your blog has been the pinnacle of internet fame for me). Love, love, love to the whole family, whether you’re actively posting or not.
Barbara says
Let me just say that I love you and your blog and that I am heartbroken! I often say to my husband, “My friends John and Sherry” as if we know each other personally. But, I guess I feel we do. I shared your post with friends when you announced Clara and then again Teddy, and often revisit old posts for guidance. But I get it, you need a break, and you deserve a break. Everyone does. I just hope you come back. There’s no other blog that delivers the honest, creative, fun and quality content that you do (real life content, at that — as in, you’re not buying a $3,000 chandelier for your entrance or $150/roll wallpaper), and makes people feel like they really know you. Like, well, that we’re friends. :)
Flagless says
Good luck. Hope you’ll be back once you’ve recharged.
erin says
wow. but you know what… sometimes you do need a break. hope you come back completely rejuvenated!
Lindsay@Tell'er All About It says
I’ve been reading you guys since about early 2009 (before Clara was even a glint in your eye!). I don’t know you guys very well, but I am actually VERY happy you are taking this break. I was going to off-handedly suggest that the four of you just fly away for a bit to an island somewhere to recharge. You need it. You deserve it. As Steve Jobs once said, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today? And when the answer is ‘no’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”
Go. Break. Recharge. Refuel.
…and if it still doesn’t provide clarity, then there is no shame in that. You deserve it.
xoxo,
Lindsay
Mariangeles says
I love this!!!
Melissa says
Good for you! This is a great decision. Create memories together without social media, and come back to us with revived passion for your blogging community. Blessings.
Trudy says
Yours is the only blog I’ve come back to more than 4 times. I will miss you!! It has been and will always be the case that some posts appeal to some people while others appeal to others, depending on individual parallels. You two have style, a down-to-earth approach to decor, and you seem to appreciate and celebrate the same things I do (family, home, a good value to name a few), so I happily followed no matter what you were working on and posting about. Thank you for that gift of inspiration and entertainment. Selfishly, I hope you come back! Unselfishly, I hope you find that thing that you’re excited to do every morning!
Jennifer N says
I admit, there’s a teeny-tiny part of me that feels like you broke up with me! But, as a mother of two little ones, I can completely empathize with how much family changes you every time it grows. I also understand how sometimes, the thing you love doing can just become a job when it actually becomes your job. Best of wishes to you and yours during this transitional period, and while I hope you do come back, I really hope you guys find whatever path it is that will make you the most happy!
Jen C. says
You are both incredible. Really. You invited comments, read and thought about them, and responded with respect and care like the professionals you are. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for your return in several weeks. Relax – look for your mojo – think and enjoy. I’ll keep busy reviewing projects on the website and maybe even doing some of the projects I flagged in your book! (Come on second book!) Thanks to you both for all you’ve done on this blog. You rock!
Cali says
You will be deeply missed but I think we all look forward to a triumphant return with all the pep, energy and love we know you have ??
Tara says
Thank you for all of your inspiration so far! A friend and I were just texting about your break and she said, you’re like friends, which is why I keep coming back. I know I’ll for sure be here when you guys are ready to come back. Enjoy this time for loving on each other and reflecting on what is best for your family! We <3 the Petersiks!
-Tara
Anne says
Y’all are the absolute best! Enjoy a well deserved break, and know that we’ll be here when you’re ready to come back. One thing I keep learning over and over again as life gets more complicated with each year, is that giving yourself the chance to rest and recuperate is one of the very healthiest things you can do for yourself.
Thanks for all the fun, entertainment, and valuable DIY information through the years. Y’all have influenced me immensely. I have taken on many projects because of your amazing tutorials, and I will always be grateful to you for that.
Congratulations again on your beautiful family, now go enjoy them!
xo,
Anne
Marianne says
I’ll miss you guys. Enjoy the break. Looking forward to your return.
PS- Even though I live in Germany, I got one of your Target hooks (the bee) for my birthday. Exciting!
kelly says
I was just thinking the other day that you guys don’t get PTO like the majority of the working class. Even around holidays you’re faithfully posting. I don’t know how you did it for 7 years! So take a break, relax, and spend time together because you deserve it! We’ll be here when you get back!
Kelly says
I commented earlier applauding your decision, and I wanted to throw this link out there; it’s from one of my favorite authors about how he has struggled with those who “miss the old Don” – thought it might encourage you! :)
http://storylineblog.com/2014/09/08/im-glad-im-not-the-same-guy-who-wrote-blue-like-jazz/
Julia says
I started reading and thought: awww, these guys! so sweet… then I came to taking a break part and thought: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Guys!! I’ll miss you! On a second thought I’m glad you’re taking some time off… but hey come back uhm! You’ll be welcomed with open arms. Your honesty and fun is still there and it shows. I don’t know how you do it to balance 2 kids and all these stuff… You rock and you’ll always be my favorite site to visit! :)
Michelle says
This sucks. I’ve read every one of your posts. Actually I started about 3 years in but went back and read those earlier years to get “caught up” not long after I found your blog.
Your posts – no matter the content type or volume or length or whatever – are always the highlight of my day. I view you guys like a real life DIY fictiony nonfiction story book. Some chapters are better than others but the book in its entirety is awesome.
So if you don’t come back, I swear to God I’ll have to come to Richmond and find out what you’ve done to the house, how the family has grown, etc. because I don’t like to start books and not finish them…. even if they are still going after 7 years. :-)
AnnaC says
What an awesome and brave move. Like everyone else, I feel there will be a hole while you are gone. But it takes just as much bravery to start something new as it does to stop – even if just for a moment. If there is one thing we have all learned through YHL is to be brave and have the courage to try something new, even if it fails or requires a change later. So go out there and enjoy your family, your home, and your friends. Do some centering, and smell the roses. Enjoy this time, because those kiddos will be grown before you know it. Though it is with some sadness, I wish you the best of luck on this leg of your journey!
Audrey O.M. says
Your cheerful tone, energy and enthusiasm are what has kept me reading, despite my differences in family life, design taste, etc. It totally makes sense that as your lives change, so must your blog, if you decide to keep blogging at all! One idea- maybe you could start a YHL type of consult service? With the huge following you have, people would probably like the crowd-sourcing of opinions that they could get. I’m thinking of the reader redesign posts, except more. You could get a question (Ex: how should I use this space? I only have $1000 to spend on this kitchen, what should I do with it?)…you both could come up with options, brainstorming, and readers could vote in a poll of what the person should do, plus give other feedback on the comments section or whatever. It would make sense that if you are in a home that you hope to live in for a long time, and after 7 years of “loving” your house, that it will get more settled and less in need of projects. This would be a way to use the talent for other peoples homes. (Perhaps even physically taking on projects at their houses in your city?) Other idea: do more posts relevant to what your family life is like now. I really loved the Clara’s kitchen post back in the day, and I think you mentioned doing more DIY kids furniture? Anyway, I wish you all the best and congratulations on all your successes thus far.
shanna haycraft says
When I finished reading your post, this song came immediately into my head:
http://youtu.be/Ftt5KH6TnhE
“And I would give up everything
No this is not just about me
And I don’t know a plainer way to say it
And they may pay us off in fame
Though that is not why we came
And I know well and good that won’t heal our hearts
We came for salvation
We came for family
We came for all that’s good that’s how we’ll walk away
We came to break the bad
We came to cheer the sad
We came to leave behind the world a better way”
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftt5KH6TnhE&w=560&h=315%5D
You need to do what is in your heart and that will always lead to the correct path. I would be terribly sad to see you go, but can completely understand at the same time. Best of luck!
Chelsea says
You guys are the best, and you will be so missed! I enjoy your wit and “real-ness” everytime I read one of your blog posts, and I sincerely hope that you will be back, even if it’s on a part-time basis.
Take a break, love on your babies (and each other!), and know that if you decide to continue writing in this space, we will be right here with you.
Thank you John & Sherry! <3
Hilary says
After reading this, I felt like one of my longest friends just told me that they are moving cross-country.
Petersiks – the fact that you have the courage to write this post and to take the time to step away and reevaluate things is a courage that I hope I’ll have one day, if I need it.
No matter the outcome, looking forward to hearing what comes next from all five of you.
Carol in Denver says
You are the best blog of your kind, always high quality — well written, informative and inspiring. It is obvious you put lots of care and thoughtfulness into your blog. I’m sorry (for myself and your many fans) that you are tiring of this area of endeavor. Your blog is not just a job you can go to and plug in 8 hours working for someone else; it demands commitment, a level of joy, pushing to try new and unfamiliar products and processes, and time commitment that may exceed 8 hours daily. It is your personal expression that must be fed by your personal energy. I don’t feel your blog quality has deterioriated and kudos to you for that.
Caitlin says
It’s your life. You’ve been kind enough to take us all on part of the ride with you and I, for one, have immensely enjoyed it. Thanks for the glimpses and so many FEELS. Enjoy your recharge and when/if you come back we’ll see you around.
Megan F says
Sherry and John –
You are so loved, and so is your work. Thanks for allowing us to peek in the window of your lives all this time! Know that your true fans and friends will be thinking of you everyday, and wishing nothing but happiness for you along the way! Will keep my fingers crossed that your time away only reminds you how much you LOVE what you already do, and hope that you’ll be back to us in no time! Hard to imagine days without Teddy and Clara updates! We are all rooting for you. Whatever makes your family happy, do it. Your blog family will be waiting.
XOXO
Kate. says
GO WITH YOUR GUT! And enjoy!
Hannah says
I admire the honesty in your post. You guys have inspired my husband and I in so many ways when it comes to DIY projects! Y’all are our go-to for instructions/tips for projects because y’all have tried everything!! It’s wonderful! Enjoy time away :)
Kim says
Everyone needs a break from time to time, so stepping away is understandable, but one thing bothers me. You say that you haven’t been doing the job well and that’s pure rubbish! Perhaps you are not doing all the things you’d like to do, but what you do is nothing short of amazing. Your blog is one of a handful that I read because it is authentic. Remember that you can’t be everything for everyone so be the best you can be for you. See you soon.
Cyndee says
Blessings to you all.
Pippa says
I am so sad to hear this! But I fully support the move – you have to do what is best for your family, absolutely. I don’t know what I am going to do until you’re back. I think I will buy your book to read until you return! (Or at least until the next book if you can’t continue with the blog…sadface). Best of luck to you guys!!
Erebus says
I don’t think I’ve ever commented on a blog, but since this is my favorite blog, I think I’ll give it a go… I found this blog a couple of years ago and quickly went through the archives. What I really like about this blog was 1) the style you guys had in your house. It’s light and airy and looked like a real home, not a decorating magazine (duh, maybe because people actually lived there !). And 2) this is not a blog written by pretentious people. You truly loved what you did and it showed. Now, I must admit, I really didn’t care about all that “family” stuff. I liked it better when there was a separate blog for it. For me, it felt a bit awkward to read about the personal lives of people I don’t even know. I was also a bit disapointed when you annonced you would post less. I understand it, since everbody priorities are different, but I still want to see that blue trim disapear from the Earth surface. As for the “commercial” stuff, I say good for you. You worked for it and were able to make money out of your blog. I never felt like you were being “sellout” to a company or another. Heck, I even participated in a couple of your giveaway (sadly won none).
Anyway, I hope this blog come back. I hope to see many more amazing transformation. What you did all of your houses is nothing short of amazing, and an inspiration, at least for me. But more, I hope you take the right decision for yourself, because you are the most important persons in this whole situation. I’ll still be here if/when you decide to come back.
P.S In fact, I think I am not budging from here until all that blue trim is gone… I was really looking forward to the dining room transformation!
Sandra B says
I will miss your wit and really good writing! Take care and come back soon!
Megan V. says
I’ve been a long, looooong time reader. I read a lot of the comments the other day when you asked us to and I’m just disappointed in the readers of this blog. Simply, they demand too much.
I feel like you guys have been working your butts off to maintain a certain level on this blog that is unrealistic. You are a two person team, with a growing family, and you’ve managed to keep up for this long without any extra help. I’m honestly surprised that you haven’t hired an assistant or manager to help with things. You guys have shouldered it all, even the technical side of the house. Whether or not your readers want to acknowledge it, you are a business. And when both of you have to deal with the “business” side of the blog, that takes away from the “creative” side of the blog.
You’ve kept it real, you’ve stayed away from sponsored posts, you’ve done side projects that make sense for the blog and your readers. You guys have done all you can to be authentic and the readers are still unhappy. It’s so sad.
You guys have worked so hard and deserve the opportunities that have come your way. I’m glad you are taking a break. I hope that you can shake off all of the expectations of what you should and shouldn’t do, write about, be. Hopefully this will free you up and get your creative juices going again.
You are amazing. Your blog is amazing. I hope you guys enjoy your break. I know I’ll be waiting for you to come back in whatever capacity to decide to! I will continue to support your family AND your brand!
Lots of love to you guys! :)