With a monumental archive of over 2,300 posts, navigating through years of content has become quite the epic journey. For many of our loyal readers, it’s akin to earning a badge of honor – perhaps an “I survived the YHL archives and all I got was this awesome bumper sticker” kind of achievement! As we celebrate our fifth blogiversary, we’re taking a delightful trip down memory lane, handpicking some truly memorable highlights from 260 weeks of sharing our home improvement adventures, design dilemmas, and personal milestones. Prepare to be entertained by a curated collection of firsts, perennial favorites, and moments that capture the unique spirit of our blogging journey.
Our Inaugural Makeover Reveal: A Laundry Nook Transformation
Long before the kitchen renovation that truly ignited the spark for this entire blog, our very first “before and after” reveal was a charming transformation of our laundry nook in November 2007. The main kitchen was still deeply entrenched in its demolition phase, making this small, yet impactful, project a perfect debut. Looking back, we quickly learned a valuable lesson: always capture that true “before” picture *before* the sledgehammer makes its grand entrance. Our initial “before” shot was actually a mid-demo snapshot, a humorous reminder of our early, eager, yet slightly unrefined blogging days. This small victory set the stage for countless transformations to come, highlighting that even minor updates can bring significant joy and functionality to a home.
The Most Whimsical Wardrobe (Featuring Humans and Canines)
December 2007 brought us a post discussing the surprisingly lengthy installation of our first kitchen cabinets. Amidst the renovation chaos, we shared a truly bizarre, yet utterly endearing, photograph that perfectly encapsulated our early blogging style. The image featured Sherry demonstrating her cabinet-sized proportions – made even more memorable by her and a then one-year-old Burger, our beloved dog, sporting matching festive Christmas pajamas. This moment of playful absurdity showcased not only the slow pace of DIY projects but also the fun and quirky personality we infused into our content from the very beginning. It proved that sometimes the most memorable moments on a home blog aren’t just about the renovation itself, but the unexpected, human elements woven throughout the process.
A Nod to Our Most Extravagant Styling Choices
Back in 2007, we were still very much in the nascent stages of defining our decorating style. Sherry, having recently transitioned from New York/New Jersey living, still had a flair for the dramatic. This era gave birth to what we now fondly recall as our “reveal” of the guest bedroom. This room would later transform into Clara’s nursery, but at the time, it featured some undeniably outlandish styling – most notably, a pair of fuzzy leopard slippers strategically placed. We often chuckle, wondering what kind of discerning guests we were anticipating with such bold, unconventional decor choices. This post serves as a charming reminder of how personal style evolves and how early blogging attempts are often filled with both genuine enthusiasm and wonderfully questionable design decisions.
The Legend of the Never-Before-Seen Video Interview
Winning a blogging contest in 2007 came with a rather unique prize: a video interview on “Ask The Decorator.” As our very first foray into video, we were predictably over-prepared and brimming with nervous energy. Sherry even broke her personal rule by wearing a non-black outfit for the occasion! We were likely a bundle of stutters and anxious glances, but we’ll never truly know. The website went on an extended hiatus shortly after our interview (lasting several years!), and the footage mysteriously vanished, never seeing the light of day. In retrospect, perhaps this cinematic disappearance was a blessing in disguise, saving us from a potentially cringe-worthy debut.
Our Pioneering Ikea Hack: Built-In Bedroom Storage
As the calendar flipped to 2008, we embarked on our very first major Ikea hack. This ambitious project involved ingeniously transforming standard Ikea wardrobes into custom-looking built-in closets that flanked our bed. We achieved this cohesive look by using doorless units, adding elegant curtains, and integrating a custom wood header to create the illusion of a seamless, built-in system. This project perfectly showcased our knack for budget-friendly design and creative problem-solving, proving that with a little ingenuity, off-the-shelf furniture can be elevated to bespoke status. It became a cornerstone of our early DIY ethos, inspiring readers to look beyond the catalog and envision custom solutions.
The Genesis of Our “Burning Questions” Segment
Does anyone remember our weekly “Burning Questions” posts? Every Friday, we’d ignite conversations by posing thought-provoking questions about home decor or improvement. These weren’t just any questions; they were the “heavy-hitting” inquiries that sparked genuine reader engagement, such as “What’s your favorite countertop surface?”, “What’s your ideal view from your house?”, or “To paint or not to paint your switch plates and wall registers?”. Our very first question, launched in May 2008, centered on a rather genteel topic: whether one should have their dining table perpetually set. It garnered a respectable 18 responses, marking the humble beginnings of a segment designed to foster community and shared insights among our growing readership.
Our Debut Mood Board: Visualizing Design Dreams
Around the same period we introduced “Burning Questions,” we also began extending our design expertise through online mood boards. These visual collages were designed to help readers conceptualize their spaces and make informed design decisions. Our very first mood board was crafted for Manisha, offering her guidance and inspiration for redesigning her living room. This service quickly became a popular feature, demonstrating our commitment to providing practical, actionable design advice and empowering our audience to tackle their own home projects with confidence.
Our First Foray into the Press: Local Recognition
A moment of immense pride for us came on May 15, 2008, when our local paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, featured us in their new “I Did It Myself” section. The project that caught their eye? A charming pedestal table, ingeniously crafted from a thrift store base and a ready-made round top sourced from a home improvement store. This early press mention was a significant milestone, validating our efforts and providing a tangible sense of accomplishment. Our parents, naturally, were bursting with pride, marking this as a memorable early highlight in our blogging journey. It underscored the impact of simple, creative DIY solutions.
An Enduring Favorite: The Vacation Memory Jars Craft
Over the years, our blog has featured countless small projects and crafts – from quick weekend updates to ambitious “Dude Get On That Already” challenges. However, one of our all-time favorite crafts remains the delightful vacation memory jars, which we created back in the summer of 2008. This simple yet meaningful DIY project allowed us to preserve cherished travel memories in a beautiful and tangible way. It’s a craft that continues to resonate with readers, embodying the sentimental value and personal touch that can be brought into home decor through handmade items. It’s a testament to the fact that some of the most beloved projects are often the ones that capture personal stories and evoke joyful recollections.
Our Inaugural “House Crashing”: A Family Affair
Before we gathered the courage to knock on strangers’ doors for our popular “House Crashing” series, we kept our initial forays within the family. Our very first “House Crashing” in 2008 involved photographing my sister’s newly constructed home right here in Richmond. This initial, more comfortable experience allowed us to refine our approach to showcasing real homes and design styles. Fast forward to today, and my sister has since undertaken numerous painting, decorating, and landscaping projects, making a “Re-House Crashing” a definite and exciting item on our future content agenda! It’s a wonderful full-circle moment, highlighting the enduring nature of home and family transformations.
The First Reader Redesign Spotlight: A Grey Poupon Moment
In addition to launching our “House Crashing” series in 2008, we also unveiled our first “Reader Redesign” feature. This segment celebrated our readers’ own successful home makeovers, offering inspiration and showcasing the community’s creativity. For reasons still somewhat obscure, this particular post compelled me to incorporate a whimsical “Grey Poupon” reference into the title, adding a dash of our signature humor to the celebration of a reader’s accomplishment. It was a joyful moment, marking the beginning of a beloved series that continues to highlight the incredible talent and dedication of our audience.
Our Premier Solved Design Dilemma: Stacie’s Bedroom Oasis
While we crafted numerous mood boards over the years, receiving “after” photos from readers who implemented our designs was always a special treat. Our first reader to provide such inspiring feedback was Stacie, a local friend. She graciously shared pictures of her beautifully transformed bedroom, which was brought to life using one of our custom YHL mood boards. This successful collaboration not only validated our design advice but also sparked a chain reaction, leading to an impressive House Crashing, followed by a second, and even a third revisit! Stacie’s project became a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the enduring impact of a well-executed plan.
The Inaugural Wedding Week: Celebrating Love and Life
It’s no surprise that our very first “Wedding Week” – a dedicated period for sharing our wedding journey and all things romantic – commenced on our first anniversary, July 7, 2008. This special week allowed us to share intimate details, DIY wedding projects, and heartfelt reflections on our union. The content created during that initial “Wedding Week” remains a cherished part of our blog’s history and continues to be easily accessible under the “Wedding” tab at the top of our page. It’s a wonderful archive for anyone planning their own wedding or simply looking for a dose of sentimental inspiration.
The Pivotal Turning Point: A Blogging Contest Victory
Many of you know that a significant catalyst for transforming our blog from a passionate hobby into a more serious endeavor was the completely unexpected and random win of a blogging contest. This victory, barely two months into our blogging journey, provided an invaluable confidence boost and a clear sign that we were onto something special. To commemorate this pivotal moment, we famously Photoshopped a pageant-esque image, complete with a regal “Queen Elizabeth wave.” This win was more than just an award; it was the validation we needed to truly commit to our blogging dream, fundamentally shaping the trajectory of Young House Love.
Sherry’s Most Challenging Posts to Pen
For Sherry, the title of “hardest post to write” is a tight contest between two deeply personal and emotional events. The first was Clara’s birth story in 2010, an intimate account of a life-changing moment. The second was the poignant narrative surrounding the death of her Aunt Kay Kay during the summer. Both experiences required immense vulnerability to share, yet proved almost equally therapeutic in their telling. It took nearly a full year for Sherry to gather the strength and find the words to eloquently describe Clara’s entry into the world, underscoring the profound emotional labor involved in sharing such personal stories with a wide audience.
John’s Toughest Writing Assignment
While not imbued with the same profound emotional weight as Sherry’s selections, for John, owning up to a failed deck inspection this past summer was an incredibly challenging post to write. The inspection failure delivered a significant blow to his confidence regarding the entire project. It took every ounce of his resolve to push forward with the renovation, let alone transparently document and share the setback with thousands of readers. This post represented a moment of vulnerability, reminding us that even seasoned DIYers face obstacles and that honesty about imperfections can be just as inspiring as tales of seamless success.
Our Most Unexpectedly Random Content Piece
Occasionally, we do stray from our usual home decor and DIY topics, delving into subjects like parenting, running, breastfeeding, or even haircuts. These tangents, while seemingly random, often resonate deeply with our audience. However, perhaps our most unexpectedly random, yet much-discussed, tangent was a January 2011 post exploring the other names our parents considered for each of us at birth. This dive into personal history, devoid of any direct home improvement link, sparked a surprisingly engaging conversation and proved that our readers appreciate the occasional peek into the more unconventional aspects of our lives, reinforcing the personal connection we strive to build.
The Pinnacle of Embarrassment: Sherry’s Eminem Encounter
Without a doubt, the most blush-inducing post we’ve ever shared was Sherry’s confession earlier this year about meeting Eminem in high school – on MTV, no less! There’s even a cringe-worthy YouTube video serving as irrefutable proof. The episode features her freestyle rapping and using the now-outdated slang term “phat.” Just mentioning it again sends her diving under her desk in mortified embarrassment, which makes it all the more amusing for me. This revelation stands as a testament to the unexpected personal stories that surface on the blog, offering a hilariously relatable glimpse into our pre-blogging lives and teenage antics.
Our Most Economical Word Count: The Door Widening Saga
While we don’t have an exact word counter for every single archived post, we are fairly confident that our eighth-ever blog post, detailing our preparations for some door widening, holds the record for being our least wordy. Clocking in at just under 125 words, the entire piece can be consumed without ever needing to touch your scroll bar. This succinct, “short and sweet” format harks back to the early days of blogging. We often find ourselves reminiscing about these concise posts, hoping to occasionally return to such brevity amidst our more characteristically chatty and in-depth content. It’s a nostalgic nod to simpler times and direct communication.
The Epic Word Count: Our Financial Transparency Post
Again, take this with a grain of salt as we haven’t systematically counted every word, but we’re almost certain that last year’s blogiversary post, which delved into how we generate income and allocate our time, stands as our most verbose creation. This comprehensive piece reportedly approached nearly 4,000 words, offering an unprecedented level of transparency and detail. It might also easily claim the title for “most pie charts” – or perhaps, “most pie” overall! This post exemplifies our commitment to providing in-depth, valuable content, even if it means writing an entire novel on the intricacies of running a successful blog.
Our Most Peculiar Post: The “Purloined” Pillow Saga
The very title of this post, “Purloined,” should immediately hint at Sherry’s unusual mood during its creation – a fact she readily admits multiple times within the text itself. What began as a quick little musing about pillows inexplicably blossomed into a hilariously bizarre string of comments, with readers enthusiastically rallying around the cryptic phrase, “No Ham, No Fowl.” You’ll truly have to read it to grasp the full extent of its delightful strangeness, if it can even be fully understood! (A close runner-up for this “Weirdest” award goes to a memorable post detailing Sherry’s dream involving elephant-shaped faucets, which truly stands alone in its surreal charm).
The Most Experimental Format: A Full Dialogue Post
Browsing through our early blog entries reveals our openness to being quite experimental with post formats. A prime example is this unique post that was written entirely as a dialogue between the two of us. This unconventional approach allowed for a dynamic and conversational storytelling style, offering readers a fly-on-the-wall perspective of our interactions. Looking back, we genuinely loved revisiting this piece, and it makes us hopeful that more spontaneous, dialogue-driven conversations might organically resurface in our content from time to time, keeping things fresh and engaging for our audience.
Our Biggest Dud: The Top Design Betting Pool
We confess, we have a fondness for friendly wagers on reality TV show outcomes. So, we naturally assumed our readers would relish joining our betting pool for who would emerge victorious on Bravo’s 2008 season of “Top Design” (the one featuring Eddie Ross). Alas, it turned out to be less of a hit than we anticipated. A paltry five individuals participated, and one of them didn’t even have access to the channel! Womp womp. This experience served as a humorous reminder that not every brilliant idea lands, and sometimes, even with the best intentions, a “dud” is inevitable in the unpredictable world of blogging. It’s a good lesson in knowing your audience and their specific interests.
Our Most Significant Revelation: The Arrival of Clara
While the announcement of our move in 2010 was undoubtedly a major house-related revelation, we’ve decided to bestow the title of “Biggest Reveal” upon even grander news: Clara’s birth. Although everyone knew she was on her way, Clara’s early arrival (by about a week) and our seamless continuation of posting (she conveniently arrived on a Friday night, and we had pre-written content ready to go) made her casual Tuesday morning announcement a delightful and significant surprise for our readers. It was a profound personal milestone, shared with our community in a truly memorable fashion.
The Most Commented Post (Excluding Giveaways)
Continuing with the theme of Clara’s arrival, the non-giveaway post that has garnered the most comments is undoubtedly Sherry’s heartfelt account of her labor and subsequent emergency C-section with Clara. This deeply personal narrative sparked an incredible outpouring of support, comfort, congratulations, and encouragement from our community, accumulating over 2,200 words in the comments section. It stands as a powerful testament to the compassionate and supportive nature of our readership, showcasing how shared experiences, even challenging ones, can foster profound connection and solidarity. You guys truly are the best!
Our Least Commented Posts: The Elusive “Goose Egg”
Conversely, our “Least Commented” category is actually a 14-way tie, representing several posts that received the infamous “goose egg” in the comments section. These range from a post detailing a dramatic wind storm that toppled a tree onto my sister’s rental house, to an unfortunately titled entry about a local white elephant sale. This diverse collection of posts still presents more than a dozen opportunities for one of you to become the very first commenter, breathing new life into these quietly lingering archives. It’s a quirky reminder of the unpredictable nature of online engagement and the hidden gems waiting to be discovered by a fresh pair of eyes.
Posts with Sustained Comment Activity Over Time
Typically, new comments on any given blog post tend to dwindle within a few weeks of publication. However, the comments sections on three particular posts have remained remarkably vibrant and active over the years. These evergreen pieces include a comprehensive guide on curtain-hanging 101, an insightful article on selecting the ideal paint color, and a detailed tutorial on painting furniture. All three were published approximately three years ago, yet they consistently receive at least a few fresh comments every week or two. This enduring engagement highlights the value of practical, actionable advice that continues to serve as a resource for new readers, proving the lasting impact of well-crafted instructional content.
Our Most Endearingly Whiny Post: The Ceiling Saga
While we generally strive to maintain an upbeat and positive atmosphere on the blog – after all, this is our happy place – we do occasionally indulge in a bit of “sourpuss” honesty. Perhaps our finest moment of candid complaining came in 2008 with the dramatically titled post, “You Know What Sucks?” This memorable entry was entirely dedicated to the arduous and unenviable task of painting the “grody” ceiling in the den of our first house. It perfectly captured the frustrations and less glamorous realities of home improvement, offering a relatable moment of solidarity for anyone who has tackled a similarly unglamorous, yet necessary, project.
Our Most Significant Budget Breakdown: The First Kitchen Remodel
Clocking in at a substantial $17,500, our very first kitchen remodel stands as our most expensive project to date, by a significant margin! This monumental undertaking was the project that effectively kick-started this entire blog. Given that a substantial portion of the work was professionally outsourced, the cost exceeded our second kitchen renovation by over ten thousand dollars, as detailed in the big reveal of that project. This project provided us with invaluable insights into managing renovation budgets, the nuances of hiring contractors versus DIY, and the true financial commitment involved in transforming a crucial space like a kitchen, all shared transparently in this candid budget breakdown.
The Unflattering Award for Worst Photos
A stroll through our extensive archives inevitably unearths numerous less-than-stellar demonstrations of our photography skills, particularly from our early days of uploading tiny images captured with a simple point-and-shoot camera. However, both Sherry and I wholeheartedly agree that one particular post takes the cake for “ugliest photos.” This post chronicled how our open shelves unexpectedly had to accommodate items from our recently demolished kitchen, creating a chaotic and visually unappealing scene. We sincerely apologize for this visual assault on your senses! It’s a humbling reminder of our photographic evolution and a humorous look back at the chaotic realities of living through a renovation.
Our Collection of Favorite Punny Post Titles
We’ll be the first to readily admit that our pun-tastic post titles often lean towards the cheesy, yet we find an odd enjoyment in their quirky and sometimes downright weird nature. A few of our all-time favorites include “Oh My Gourd” (a post dedicated to a gourd lamp purchase), “What’s The Commode-tion?” (exploring all things toilet-related), “Hosta La Vista” (about the dramatic process of digging up hostas in the yard), “There’s A New Chair-riff In Town” (celebrating the arrival of a new chair), and the delightful “What Up, Succa” (a guide to repotting succulents). These titles are a reflection of our playful approach to home decor, aiming to inject humor and personality into every piece of content.
Our Premier Hip-Hop Inspired Post Titles
Beyond our love for puns, we also have an undeniable tendency to weave song lyrics – particularly those from the hip-hop genre – into our post titles. For this category, we’re awarding the gold to last November’s “Wanna Be A Baller, Shot Caller, Drywaller…” which perfectly captured the spirit of installing drywall around our new kitchen opening. The silver medal goes to “I Like Big Globes And I Cannot Lie,” a catchy title for our post about hanging globe pendant lights in the kitchen. We’re confident that Lil’ Troy and Sir Mix A Lot would be incredibly proud of our lyrical homage to their classics!
The Most Frequently Recycled Post Title
This dubious honor goes to “Light My Fire,” which, perhaps surprisingly, only appears on two posts. One details a new light fixture, and the other, quite literally, is about lighting a fire. While two uses may not immediately scream “over-used,” it’s crucial to note that these posts were published within mere weeks of each other back in October 2007. To this very day, Sherry battles the incessant urge to re-employ the title, likely fueled by my relentless teasing about her exhausting all fire-related puns less than two months into our blogging adventure. It’s a running joke that highlights the early challenges and humorous learning curves of consistent content creation.
Our Sensual Side: The “Sexy Console Lovin'” Video
You know that exhilarating moment when you triumphantly complete a project and feel an overwhelming surge of pride, compelling you to create a sultry, admiring video of your masterpiece? What? Just me? Well, that’s precisely what happened during another one of Sherry’s whimsical moods, following the successful completion of our living room console last year. We humbly apologize if this particular video leaves you feeling a tad “hot and bothered,” but it perfectly encapsulates the joyous, sometimes absurd, satisfaction that comes with completing a significant home project. It’s a playful testament to our enthusiasm and unique way of celebrating DIY victories.
Our Unanimous Favorite Video: The Texas Road Trip
While not strictly decor-related (though there is a stylish wedding featured about halfway through!), Sherry and I both hold a special fondness for this particular video. It chronicles our epic 41-hour road trip to Texas back in 2009. Despite its 17-minute length, watching it never fails to bring a smile to our faces. It’s a nostalgic journey that evokes simpler times, a longing to embark on another spontaneous road trip without the added logistical challenge of managing a restless toddler in the backseat. This video is a beautiful capsule of personal memories, highlighting the adventures that shape our lives outside of home projects.
John’s All-Time Favorite Project: The Hallway Frame Wall
For John, his all-time favorite project has to be our hallway frame wall, which was meticulously completed in 2011. This project hit that perfect “sweet spot”: challenging enough to feel rewarding, yet not overly complicated, striking an ideal balance. To this day, we remain captivated by the significant visual impact and the undeniable personality it injects into our home. “It just feels like us,” John often muses. The only thing missing, ironically, is a ceramic dog amidst the frames. Oops, my bad!
Sherry’s Unquestionable Favorite Project: The Teal Built-Ins
For Sherry, her all-time favorite project is an easy choice: the moment we decided to paint the backs of our built-in shelves a dramatic, dark teal color. This was one of the very first decorative endeavors we tackled after moving into our home, and its impact was immediate and profound. The entire transformation took merely an evening and a single quart of paint, yet it fundamentally altered the feel and aesthetic of the entire room. This project stands as a powerful example of how a small, budget-friendly change can deliver an incredibly significant and room-changing punch, reinforcing Sherry’s philosophy on accessible yet impactful design.
John’s Most Cherished Post: Our First Day in the Current House
This might seem like an unusual answer, but for John, the post detailing our very first day in our current house holds an exceptionally special place in his heart. It chronicled an incredibly exciting and momentous occasion for us – a day brimming with boundless promise, innovative ideas, and, for good measure, a healthy dose of anticipatory stress. The thrill of starting fresh, knowing we would share every single step of this new journey with our devoted readers, was unparalleled. Looking back now, it’s truly remarkable to see just how much has transformed since that initial, hopeful day, underscoring the evolution of our home and our lives.
Sherry’s Most Sentimental Post: Clara’s Nursery Reveal
Sherry’s choice for her all-time favorite post is deeply imbued with both sentiment and style: it’s the magical reveal of Clara’s nursery in our old house. Naturally, we adore the stunning transformation that took place within the room itself. However, it’s the far greater, life-altering change that the post symbolizes – the imminent arrival of our daughter – that truly earns it the top prize. Looking at that “before” picture, we can’t help but see how wonderfully naive we appear, blissfully unaware of the incredible adventure and profound joy that lay ahead. It’s a poignant reminder of a transformative period in our lives, beautifully captured in design.
Now that we’ve meticulously revisited our most cherished “firsts,” celebrated our personal favorites, and shared a fair share of amusing and sometimes quirky blogging moments, we turn the spotlight on you. Do you have a favorite entry from your own blog or perhaps a cherished memory from your personal diary? Was there a particular moment in your past where you embraced a wonderfully wacky and random impulse? Or perhaps, is there something you look back on now and can’t help but inwardly cringe, all in good fun?
Psst- Speaking of posts that cover everything and anything, we’re currently over here engaging in a fascinating discussion about color theory (who knew certain colors are purportedly linked to boosting IQ points and even aiding digestion?).