https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:54:45 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1866288 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 13:27:04 +0000 Chillybear 1866288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have several thoughts on YHL, them taking a break, and blogging/pinterest in general. </p> <p>I think YHL is a great read for entertainment and resource for those looking to get their feet wet with DIY, crafting, and decorating. I wouldn't call them experts. I would call them stylists and that they have a great skill for figuring out a project making it work for their circumstances and are really good at writing tutorials that are understandable. They are relatable and fun and interact with their readers. I think its commendable that for 7 years they kind of set a standard for blogging and they set it rather high and also made a living out of it. Blogging started out as a diary for most bloggers, and in the last 5 years we really saw a shift away from the personal stories into more of a branding type atmosphere and I blame ads and sponsored posts for a lot of that. </p> <p>That said i think YHL should be looked at as both a family and business. As a family, I think they're fan base was a little unrealistic in their expectation that they would be able to keep the pace they were going at when their family grew and they added another child this year. I also think that they may have had a security scare at some point, that they have not brought to public attention. I was only a matter of time as they are so transparent and have a huge fan base. I also think they may be struggling as a family transitioning from 1 to 2 kids, maybe a touch of PPD. </p> <p>As a business, IF they were too keep the blog as the main source of income they should have had the foresight to realize that they were spreading them selves too thin and taken on employee or two. whether that be an intern or childcare, whatever. They have so many balls in the air that they are constantly juggling - moving, secret projects, pregnancy, show houses, plus just life in general like vacations, illness, nights where baby doesn't sleep. They should have reached out for a helping hand a long time ago.</p> <p>I think there are going to be big changes to the YHL brand and as much as they wanted this break to come off as spontaneous i think that it has be planned for a while, maybe not the exact timing but they had been thinking about it and were waiting for a good opening. </p> <p>I've mostly just been disappointed in what they've done in H3 it feels very impersonable and not very special. Not like some of the tedious things they've done in the past but had a really big "wow" factor. </p> <p>@Boogs: I agree that a lot of people are leaving blog reading for pinterest but that content that is pinned is mostly coming from blogs </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1863794 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 21:13:34 +0000 Kemma 1863794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Like anything else I think that blogs have a natural / inbuilt lifespan and maybe YHL (and many other popular blogs) have run their course? I was a reader of Daily Garnish but Emily (the author) now goes weeks between posts so it's just not worth investing time in anymore - especially compared to other bloggers who post 4-5 times a week. I also think that Bloggers can lose their "relatability" as they go on and become more successful - I can relate to somebody who works, runs a household, raises their family and blogs, I can't really relate to a writer whose life revolves around blog content </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1863724 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 20:11:19 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1863724@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Modern Daisy: I wasn't reading them when the back off post was posted, but man they must have been getting hounded. </p> <p><a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2013/03/state-of-the-uterus-address-2013/" rel="nofollow">http://www.younghouselove.com/2013/03/state-of-the-uterus-address-2013/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1863668 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:21:46 +0000 CottonCandy 1863668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Modern Daisy: yes, 100% agreed....it's a shame it came down to this, I really liked reading their blog...but they totally changed their tone and it became more and more obvious. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1862980 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 11:35:05 +0000 plantains 1862980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks to those on this thread who recommended Manhattan Nest, amazeballs! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1862874 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 10:41:01 +0000 cheert16 1862874@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Boheme: Same! I just feel bad for them. Their voice has changed in the last year or two- but isn't that a bit expected? When you have been doing the same thing for years and years- it tends to get monotonous- especially with people hating on you all the time! They do have some nice DIY but I liked the family aspect more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1862830 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 10:28:38 +0000 Modern Daisy 1862830@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am a huge fan and have been reading for years. I remember clearly the first post that changed the whole tone of the blog, and that was the "back off" post about guessing if Sherry was pregnant. It was written the best way possible and 100% called for, but the fact that they chose to go there put up an invisible wall between them and their readers. The tone just seemed different after that, like they resented their audience a little. Then when they announced the purchase of their 3rd house and that it had actually been kept a secret from readers for like 6 months, that did it for me. At that point it really seemed like they were "over" having to share any personal details at all and almost acted like readers were in the wrong for wondering about it. It seemed like the wall was growing higher and getting reinforced which started a downward spiral of them getting defensive and readers being upset, which lead to lackluster and uninspired blog posts.</p> <p>Anyway I think it's a shame because even though they aren't pro's i loved reading the blog and i did a lot of the projects in my own home! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1862807 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 10:20:21 +0000 Boheme 1862807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@birdofafeather: I feel bad for them. I can't imagine being under that much pressure to perform and deliver with a young child and a newborn, coupled with burnout. There's only so much remodeling and design you can do on a house! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1862785 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 10:00:53 +0000 Adira 1862785@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: @aegie: I'm with you ladies. I still really liked YHL. I don't really DIY much, but I enjoyed seeing what they were doing and they seemed like a fun couple. I was really looking forward to seeing how their new house turned out. I hope they are able to get their groove back and get back to doing what they love. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1862774 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 09:59:17 +0000 aegie 1862774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: I agree. I think people have become a little too hypercritical of bloggers. I can read something if I enjoy it. Or I can just x out of it. </p> <p>and I thought out of all the bloggers out there, YHL didn't have those annoying sponsored posts so I felt like they weren't always trying to sell me something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1862723 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 09:37:45 +0000 birdofafeather 1862723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just getting back from a week camping with no service to read this. I'm sad but not surprised. I still check their site daily but don't follow as much as I used to. Don't feel the need to blast them though like some of the comments I read on their comment page. I wish them the best and hope they can find something that works for their family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855632 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 21:33:31 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1855632@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: @Weagle: @Boheme: thanks for the recs! Love Apartment Therapy already. Manhattan Nest looks really great!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855476 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 19:11:54 +0000 Boogs 1855476@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like in general blogging is starting to become less popular lately. With sites like Pinterest, it is so much faster and easier to get inspiration you need there compared to the occasional inspiration you would get from one blogger's site. </p> <p>While I liked some of the things YHL did and I really like them, online and in person, everything wasn't for me so that leaves you looking elsewhere for inspiration. And honestly, people don't have time to sit reading through a ton of different blog posts from different sources for things that speak to them. </p> <p>I imagine it is such hard work, horrible hours, a huge commitment, and all that for not a lot of revenue unless you blast your site with a ton of ads and such. And like they said, the blogging world has felt more sponsored/corporate and you can't blame bloggers, it has to be if people are expected to make a living off their site. So, you can't fault them for that, but it's not where its seems YHL's hearts are, they want their work to also feel like fun. I hope whatever happens with them going forward is the best for their family and hopefully they'll keep the site around for an occasional update for those that have followed their journey the past 7 years. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855459 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 18:54:44 +0000 BSB 1855459@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@night cheese: Maybe I just don't get all the blogger hate lately. People are so critical of bloggers and their voice, content and other 234950 expectations a blogger should have. </p> <p>Maybe I read blogs for my own enjoyment. If it keeps my attention, I'm happy and keep reading. If it doesn't, I move on. </p> <p>I get people don't like certain bloggers and they are free to complain and criticize all they want. I just don't have the time or need to be involved in all of that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855440 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 18:40:27 +0000 night cheese 1855440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: I don't think Target chose to work with them based on their design expertise. They chose to work with them because they have a huge, passionate fanbase that most likely equals hundreds of thousands of potential Target customers. </p> <p>Because I agree that YHL aren't particularly skilled at design or DIY. What made them special was their passion and personalities. But that's all faded these past few years. </p> <p>At any rate, I hope this break is good for them and that they can reignite some of the spark they lost. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855432 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 18:33:43 +0000 Littlebit 1855432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm glad they're taking a break. I've been reading for a long time and they just aren't doing a good job anymore. I agree with what others said regarding them not being great at what they do (DIY), and they haven't seem to be able to grow in the past 7 years skills wise. Things lately have been messy and just not good. That shelf in the laundry room (actually most of the laundry room)? Clara's room? Yikes. I expect better from two people who do this as their full time occupation. </p> <p>I was kind of expecting them to say something like this. I hope they get some of their house 1 mojo back while on this break. I used to love them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855400 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:58:00 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 1855400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only skim their posts in feedly these days... Good for them for taking a break! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855389 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:49:18 +0000 BSB 1855389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Weagle: Tad mean and critical, but guess you can have your opinions. Target and a bunch of magazines thought their 'expertise' was enough to work with them and publish them. Maybe they were wrong and they'll fade out and be back at blogging. </p> <p>I'm not in the design industry and I know they have a lot to grow to have their own show or something, but to be selected to sell your designs at Target is a pretty big accomplishment to me... considering they started out as bloggers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855386 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:46:00 +0000 Freckles 1855386@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: @wahine08: I love Emily Henderson's style, and she has quality posts on a regular basis. I don't understand why the blogging world dislikes her since she is one of the rare bloggers with REAL design experience. She's not someone who became famous through blogging. (i also just can't with Bower Power's "voice". Again, i think her DIY is better than design skills)</p> <p>I really liked YHL in the beginning and got some great tips from them, but i feel like they were always better at DIY than decorating. I only skim their blog out of habit. I'm glad they're taking a break. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855384 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:45:22 +0000 oliviaoblivia 1855384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Personally, I feel bad that they've had so much negative feedback as I was friends with John a decade ago and have enjoyed watching their success.<br /> Professionally I'm glad they are stepping back because their skills are sub par and they haven't grown. It's hard to watch people refer friends to their site for diy above when I don't agree with so much they have done. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855367 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:25:02 +0000 Weagle 1855367@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: Except they're not exactly experts because they never really grew as the industry did. Compared to others, their skill set is kind of laughable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855354 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:08:31 +0000 wahine08 1855354@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: Ooh I had no idea people hated on Emily H! I don't follow her blog but I loved her show and follow her on IG. I think she's adorable and her style is cute! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855350 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:04:28 +0000 Arden 1855350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wahine08: Yes I also read House Tweaking.</p> <p>And as much as some of the blogging world seems to hate her, I do read Emily Henderson as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855348 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:03:31 +0000 avivoca 1855348@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really like YHL, and I was sad to see this post. I've been reading their blog for a long time and it is always one of my favorites. Hopefully they come back renewed, but I understand completely if they don't. </p> <p>@Boheme: I really like the nester too. I need to get her book. </p> <p>Other blogs I like are A Beautiful Mess, Little Green Notebook, Pretty Handy Girl, and Bower Power </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855345 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:01:10 +0000 BSB 1855345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When Teddy was born they did mention that they wouldn't post as often as they used to, so I wondered if they thought about this for a while now. (Especially with baby #2) It is great all the opportunities their blog has given them lately (two books, Target deal and lots of media appearances (magazine and locally). </p> <p>I wonder if this is just a natural progression for successful bloggers. They are now DIY experts/designers and maybe they don't neccesariliy need the blog anymore to make a living. Maybe they want a 9-5 job or an office job. Who knows! It's sad for those of us who follow them regularly but did we really think they were going to blog for the rest of their lives? At some point, they probably would want a change.</p> <p>I'm so happy for them and it's been a pleasure reading their blogs for the past 1-2 years. I am sad I didn't catch their blog sooner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855343 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 16:57:42 +0000 wahine08 1855343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>House*tweaking is one of my faves. I love the style, even though it's not particularly a style I could integrate at home.</p> <p>Making It Lovely has a really pretty Victorian that they are doing renos on (slowly, sooo sooo slowly haha) but they are a cute family.</p> <p>Going to start following Manhattan Nest! Never heard of it until now :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855338 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 16:47:10 +0000 Weagle 1855338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: I know, she's super annoying. But for a novice DIYer, she's pretty good. At least her stuff is fairly cohesive. I just read through Feedly and only open posts that contain significant projects = no page clicks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855337 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 16:45:57 +0000 loveisstrange 1855337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not surprised at all. I think they lost their passion somewhere during their second house. It's a shame. I used to love the blog. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855335 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 16:44:09 +0000 Arden 1855335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Weagle: Oy I can't do Bower Power. Just can't. :P </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/yhl-taking-a-break#post-1855334 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 16:44:08 +0000 Boheme 1855334@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I like The Nester (not everyone's taste/style though), Apartment Therapy, The Lettered Cottage, and Vintage Revivals. I'll look at my blog reader and see who else is in there that I like. </p>