Life has been busier than ever for us – and there’s nothing like having a baby to confirm your true priorities. We’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately: what exactly are our goals? What are we working towards? Hoping to gain? The answer, we realized, was definitely not more blog hits or traffic or approval. Honestly we both feel unsettled by the idea of our blog growing any larger, and we look fondly back on the earlier days when we worked less, slept more, and spent more quality time with our family and friends. This little website of ours has already surpassed every expectation we ever could have had for it. So what are we chasing?
When Clara was born we were both blogging full time, but we had about a third of the traffic that we have now and we usually shared around one project a week amidst other home-related chitchat, family happenings, polls, reader makeovers, etc. It was one of the best times of our lives. We did less and had less, and we were completely comfortable. So in light of everything on our plates, this new baby boy, and a girl who’s growing up entirely too fast (cue the Armageddon music), we’ve decided to paddle back towards that.
We know this choice may directly correlate to fewer hits and therefore less income – and we’re ok with that. Sure, it’s a little scary not knowing where we’ll be in a few months or years (but we’ve never known that as professional bloggers anyway). We’ve made “risky” career choices before in the name of life quality – like leaving the NYC rat race and giving up steady salaries for blogging – but they’ve also been some of our best decisions.
Just like we did when we made those leaps, we’ve saved enough to help us sleep at night. We’ve also both left the door open in our previous professions, so even if this choice means we’ll eventually be taking on freelance advertising work again (which I did to make a living before we started this blog, and which John has dabbled with over the last few years) it’s a risk we’re willing to take in the name of bringing some balance back into our lives.
The good news is that our love of home improvement and blogging is burned deep into our hearts, and our to-do list is still a mile long. We have no plans to stop blogging anytime soon. We’ll still be posting our projects, planning, shopping, and other usual fare here regularly. But things will be noticeably different as we recalibrate our priorities (we think we’ll end up in the 3-5 posts per week range).
We’ll also be going back to sharing all of our family posts on Young House Love (sorry Young House Life). We’ve always had family stuff here – in fact some of our favorite (and most popular) posts are the personal ones about things like breastfeeding, Clara’s birth story, her photo project, this ridiculousness, and random facts about me and John. Between those types of posts always existing on our main site, and Instagram taking the place of the smaller family updates, Young House Life has felt less necessary lately, so we won’t be posting over there anymore.
We know some people will be relieved by this change of pace (many of you have encouraged us to slow down) or excited about the new looser style of posting, while others might decide to tune out – and we’re ok with that too.
We feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to make this choice. It’s not a decision that we’ve made lightly, and we realized that if we don’t seize it now, we may never have the chance to again. Teddy is our last baby and Clara is just a year away from kindergarten (how did that happen?!), so we want to enjoy this time with them instead of working our nights, weekends, and vacations away chasing some business goal we don’t even want.
We have no idea what the future holds, but even if the internet exploded tomorrow, we’re already so grateful for this amazing and completely unexpected journey of ours. This blog has surprised us in the most major of ways, and has led to some unbelievable experiences and opportunities, many of which we can’t quite wrap our minds around.
We still have big dreams for this house of ours and can’t wait to share how it evolves with you guys. But if you’ll excuse us, I have an almost impossibly tiny diaper to change and John’s off to buy some lumber again…
ashley says
I truly admire your desire to simplify and not chase the mighty dollar as your top priority. Honestly, I don’t check your blog as much as I used to because there are sometimes numerous amazing posts that I don’t always have time to catch up. Y’all are crazy talented and your recent large project allowed you to show that. However, I love the posts the best that are things I could actually do and décor I could actually afford to purchase. :) Enjoy your new bundle of joy! :)
Amanda Pearl says
Long time reader and fan here! I rarely post anything however all I have to say is GOOD FOR YOU. Us readers are not going anywhere and if we are at all human we can relate (and be a little jealous haha) of your perfectly understandable change of pace. Enjoy every single second!
tiffany says
bless your heart! Enjoy this amazing time with your family.
chrissie lynn says
I. Love. Everything. About. This.
I had a moment the other day where someone asked me what I want “next” (I’m not exactly famous like you guys, hehe! But my my career isn’t too shabby) and I took a long breath before saying: “I want to work less and live more.”
Good luck, and I will keep reading – quite honestly, I had trouble keeping up with your posts, can’t imagine how you did it!
xoxo
Melissa says
Love this post, love you guys! Congrats and good for you and your family!
Karen says
I once worked for a really smart man that always said: “The only constant thing in life is change, so why be afraid of it? Embrace it. Things are always changing.” Even though this change may feel familiar, embrace it and enjoy it. And in time, this too will change. To what…well, that’s the mystery and magic in life, isn’t it? We just never know what life holds for us. I think the best we can ever do is make decisions that put our families first, and just feel right. Congrats, again, on that beautiful baby, and for being brave enough to make a change for all of you.
Jessica says
So proud of your decision to choose what is best for your family. I will still be here reading! Your fans will support what is best for you, whatever changes that mean as time goes on. Please continue to make decisions based upon the best for you not us. :)
Lori says
Adding my voice to the chorus: Good for you! I love reading your posts and watching your progress, and I’ll be just as engaged on a less hectic schedule — sometimes I’m a week or two behind in reading just because there’s so much to keep up with! And I don’t even have kids… xo
Jes says
If there is anyone in this world that I look up to when it comes to being true to your family and yourself, it’s you guys.
I am so happy for you all and the life you have built. My hubby and I hope to achieve a similar balance one day when kids enter the picture. Gotta stop and smell the roses when the opportunity strikes! :]
Thanks for just being so fantastic and we will always be supportive fans no matter what!
Sarah says
Good for you! This is such a healthy decision. Sometimes it can feel daunting to make these kinds of big changes, but it is almost always for the best.
I will always be a reader and my only complaint is that I will miss my daily dose of YHL. xo
Weezie says
Oh, guys, this makes me really happy. The phase of YHL that you describe as being your happiest was also MY favorite, and my only time reading YHL consistently, to be honest. It was a pace I could keep up with, and it was infused with such joy and love. You ALL deserve some quiet time to be a family, and we are here to learn and laugh along with you, whatever or whenever you choose to share your lives with us. :)
Lee says
This is my very favorite blog… I can’t believe I’ve been reading you for almost 5 years already! I’ll miss reading you first thing in the morning every day (West Coast) but completely respect this choice. Congrats on your beautiful family, and can’t wait to keep following along with your adventures even at a slower pace!
Keisha F. says
Great life choice for your family.
Diane Taylor says
I think this may be favorite post you guys have ever done (well, the birth story of Clara always gets me). It takes ALOT to step down and re-evaluate. And I am sure this was a decision not taken lightly either. As the mother of a child/adult who is now in heaven and is celebrating a birthday tomorrow (he would have been 27) – you will never EVER regret taking this time to be there for each other. I have a quote on my wall at work, and every morning, I come into my office, take my first sip of coffee, take a deep breath, and read it to myself as a reminder:
“we must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to live the life that is waiting for us”.
True words – letting go of what we THINK we want or need is not easy. Letting go of the dreams I had for my son Jonathan is not easy. But life is out there, waiting to happen, and being more present is what it’s all about.
Much love to you all from the Taylors in Baltimore
xxxooo
Diane
Joi says
Diane!
I’m thinking of you, sweet friend!
xo
Joi
Jane says
Diane,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your comment brought tears to my eyes. It reminds me to hug my little boy a little tighter. That quote is just so beautiful. Thank you for wise words.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Diane, I’m so sorry for your loss. What a lovely quote.
xo
s
Eadie says
Yay! Many happy returns to the Petersiks. I will still be tuning in- Glad to hear you are pulling back to actually LIVE your life! :)
Michele says
Just reading through all the comments on your posts is a full time job in itself! Your post reminded me of a story my husband just sent me the other day:
An American businessman was standing at the pier of a
small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just
one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several
large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the
Mexican on the quality of his fish.
“How long it took you to catch them?” The American asked.
“Only a little while.” The Mexican replied.
“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” The
American then asked.
“I have enough to support my family’s immediate needs.”
The Mexican said.
“But,” The American then asked, “What do you do with the
rest of your time?”
The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play
with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into
the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar
with my amigos, I have a full and busy life, senor.”
The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and could help
you. You should spend more time fishing and with the
proceeds you buy a bigger boat, and with the proceeds from
the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you
would have a fleet of fishing boats.”
“Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell
directly to the consumers, eventually opening your own can
factory. You would control the product, processing and
distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal
fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually
NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise.”
The Mexican fisherman asked, “But senor, how long will this
all take?”
To which the American replied, “15-20 years.”
“But what then, senor?”
The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When
the time is right you would announce an IPO (Initial Public
Offering) and sell your company stock to the public and
become very rich, you would make millions.”
“Millions, senor? Then what?”
The American said slowly, “Then you would retire. Move to a
small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish
a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, stroll
to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and
play your guitar with your amigos…”
Alison says
That story was great!!
Kari says
I applaud your choice. Not just for you personally, but for the broader cultural influence that you have.
I have realized, with the birth of this baby of yours, that I have been reading your blog for an awfully long time, even before you announced your first pregnancy, and long after I’ve given up reading a selection of other blogs that used to be daily check-ins.
My experience with the culture of young family life (no relation to your blog ;) ) is that there is tremendous pressure towards “perfection.” Honestly, one of the best things about your blog is that you keep it real (I even used your behind-the-scenes-of-the-book stuff as an example in a workshop I gave last summer).
But you also have an influence on the DIY culture, obviously, with having products at Target, all the stuff you did at book signings, etc. As people see that you’re working on being kind to yourselves, keeping things in balance with your family, working at a human pace, you can play a part in shifting that culture, too. We could all do (I think) with being kinder to ourselves, and letting go of these tremendous expectations our culture seems to put on us as parents and homeowners.
I’m sure I’ll stick around for as long as you go, so you’ll at least have one reader to the bitter end.
Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says
^^Wise words there…. :) Couldn’t agree more!
Kelly B. says
I am a long time reader and a first-time poster, but I just wanted to contribute to all the love and support for your decision. I LOVE this blog, and it doesn’t matter if you post every day, I will still be a faithful reader! Congratulations John and Sherry on your newest addition…enjoy this precious time with your kids!
Stephanie says
Awesome. <3
Melanie P says
While I will miss the daily posts, the decision you’ve made is clearly the best one for your family, and I am so happy that I’ve gotten to “Know” you through the years and I will always be around to see what’s going on! Best of luck to your family!
Sona Jacob says
Good for you, guys! Getting your priorities right should always be top priority! :-) I am sure you will not regret this decision. God bless! And all the best!
Morgan says
Many kudos, guys! I applaud you!
Marcella says
I’m happy for you. A little bummed for me, I love YHL. I share your color preferences/aesthetic and use your blog as image reference to convince my beige loving husband that I am always right with paint chips/light fixtures/hardware etc… Thank you and enjoy those adorable kids and each other!
Joanne Couture says
I couldn’t be happier for your family! I have read your blog for over 3 years and I want to thank you for letting us share all your amazing adventures! My husband and I learned so much and we are truly inspired by you. Your children are beautiful and you deserve to enjoy them. Best of luck and I look forward to your future posts! I’m not going anywhere ?
Emily F says
I gotta say.. I’ve been expecting this post for a while. And I’m very happy for all of you – family time is so important! And I’m so glad that you are able to make this change. But I’m kinda sad for me. I look forward to reading your posts each day and I will miss you on the days that you don’t post. But I’m definitely not going anywhere – I will be here waiting for whatever and whenever you decide to share. :)
karen says
its great that you know what you want to do and that you can actually do it.
teddy is so cute!
Jean says
Great choice, and the best of luck to you and your family. I will still keep checking your blog – I love it!! And love how true you are to yourselves, thanks for being such great role models!
MamaMassett says
Good for you guys!!! This is great. I love your life updates probably even more than your project updates. Way to take care of yourselves and your family! xo
Gwen says
Coming from one of your oldest readers (I’m a grandmother and read your blog every day!), you will not regret your decision to spend more time with your adorable little ones! That is the most important thing ever. I applaud your choice, because you can’t get the time back with those babies. Cheers!!!!
Heidi says
Congrats to you on making the right choice for your family! I fell in love with your family (is that as weird as it looks typed?) over the years of reading your blog and would be a faithful reader if you only posted once a month or less! What makes your blog so special is how alive it is through your writing styles and the love for what you do and for your family that shines through. Family is my #1 priority but I have often had to shuffle that to the back burner for work over the years and now that my children are grown, I miss them being small. Kudos to you for savoring every moment with Clara and Teddy (and Burger of course!), they are special little folks who are lucky to have the time with you that they do. Enjoy your reclaimed time, they are only little once!
Zeba says
Good for you!! This is why I love you guys! I used to frequent a number of interior design blogs, but with the arrival of my daughter three years ago, I have had less time to spend on my hobby. Your blog has this perfect blend of design and young family life that I couldn’t give up–it’s the only one I still read. With a little boy arriving this summer, I am also anticipating less free time and more work. I plan on continuing to be a YHL reader and am excited to watch your home and family develop. Congratulations on everything, and most of all, for being true to yourself!
Jessica says
GOOD FOR YOU! I have to remind myself that daily. I am a stay-at-home mom with an exploding Etsy shop and find myself choosing work over my girls too often. Kids first, career second. You are so blessed to have found a way to provide for your family while being at home with your babies + one you will never regret! I’ve followed you since the beginning & will follow you til the end! <3
Kristen O. says
I have been a follower of your blog for a while now and am actually a little relieved that you are going to slow down. I’m sure that it is a hard choice to make. It is wonderful to be able to slow down and enjoy your family. And seriously, how cool is it that both Clara and Teddy will be able to look back at this incredible empire (cue evil laugh) that you built on your love of home improvement. They are very lucky little ones. Thank you for sharing your journey. We appreciate being included no matter how many posts you are able to do each week.
Laura says
Congratulations on this important decision. I’ve been reading your blog for years and with fewer posts, I’ll relish the ones that are put up even more. As I think about work/life balance in my own career, your decision is an inspiring reminder that we always have a choice about how to live the kind of life we want. Thank you and best wishes for your lovely family!
Amanda H says
You will never regret making the decision to put your family first. Thank you for your honesty. I love it when you post pics of your kids even more so than when you post a project. They are adorable! Now that the big decision and news is out of the way, go take a nap!!
Alyn says
Way to go! I’m sure you’ll keep many readers. You don’t have to conform to a certain number of posts per week to keep us readers happy. Having a happy life is more important than blog hits.
Mary Clutter says
Love the family photos in this post! Put you family first and I will watch for whatever you have time to post and do in the future. You will not regret cutting back. These early years with Clara and Teddy are just too important.
Mary
Kana says
I’m a devoted YHL reader for life and am not going anywhere!! Congrats to you for all the new and exciting changes :)
DanielleR says
You can always make more money, what you can’t always make is memories. Enjoy this time with the Bean, the Barnacle, and the Burger :) I think you’re making a beautiful choice for your family and I wish you the best! I’ll still faithfully follow lol.
Katie says
This post makes me want to cry- in a good way! I am so glad to hear that you will be slowing down and enjoying more quality family time. Children grow too fast not too. Congrats on making a decision that I am sure did not come lightly and I think it is a fantastic one :)
Debbie says
I appreciate this choice. I went from 40 to 20 hrs a week working and it’s the best choice. But, I would not mind cloning you all :)
When you were not posting as much I went back and read some old posts — helpful for anyone suffering withdrawal. I liked the one with the nail polish. I was looking for some safer nail polish for my 7 year daughter and I just ordered some.
Wishing you all the best!
Erin says
I smiled the whole time reading this :) You are an inspiration to so many. I’m in the advertising industry and in a company I know I need to get out of but it’s hard to take that leap. I have so much respect for you it’s crazy! So happy for you and congratulations.
ErinEvelyn says
Absolute certainty: you won’t EVER regret this decision.
Katie says
While it’s one of my favorite things to plunk down at my desk at work in the morning and open you guys in a tab on my browser as a little treat for later, I’m so happy for you. Life is all about quality, and as a Mom of 3 young kids I’m right there with you on treasuring every single second, because they go so very quickly. We all need a little less stuff and a lot more time. Looks like you’re well on your way to achieving both. Congrats!
Katie says
ps. I’ll still be just as faithful and check every day for when you are ready/able to post :)
Jen says
What a wonderful choice! As a mommy to 3 kiddos, I know far too well how fast they grow up. The time when they are little is magical, and I’m so happy that you will get to enjoy it with them now. Yay!
As for me, I will continue to read and love your blog no matter how many posts you do a week.
Now go snuggle that little man and girl. <3
CampDallas says
Life flies by and the littles grow too fast – bravo for following your hearts and keeping family first.
Brittany says
I am so happy for you guys. We don’t need new amazing projects everyday! I would love to just here how Teddy and Clara are doing and what is up with you guys because no matter what you write, it is always entertaining and fun to read. You guys could write about making toast and I would still read it!! haha But anyways, spend time with your family and don’t worry about making us happy because what makes you happy makes us happy!
Brittany says
I have to say though, the beginning of this post scared the crap out of me. I thought you were gonna say that you were completely done blogging! lol
Alison says
Great move and decision you guys!! Your dedication to your lifestyle, blog and your fans is overwhelming and transparent. Your fans, myself include, can’t wait to support you – even if we “see” you less!!
J-Train says
Hello,
I’ve never commented before but have read your blog for a few years, not only to prevent death-by-boredom at work, but also because it’s superlative! You seem like such lovely people and I just wanted to thank you for the creativity, inspiration, and general good vibes you have put into the world. All the best to you and your 3 snuggy babies, J-Train
sps says
behind you…100% :) kiss those sweet babies