Thursday, July 03, 2008

Vacationing with TV

One of the best parts about eschewing cable at home is getting to watch a little HGTV on vacation.

I think I've figured out what's wrong with this country!
A single secretary buys too much stuff in a state without sales tax. Trade up your reasonable 2 BR condo for a 3 BR, 2 BA townhome (only $100,000 more!).

Why not just get your spending under control?

Want to live green? Build your 6,000 sq. ft. eco dream home, but first, "design to sell" your bungalow across the street with green decor.

Isn't it more eco-conscious to adapt the existing space? A smaller footprint uses less resources & materials than new construction.

Don't get me wrong: I enjoy the creativity and recycled elements, and we could all learn a lesson about cleaning our our houses before putting them on the market.

Yet I have to wonder at the culture of normalcy this kind of entertainment creates. How can average families afford houses $500,000 and up? When will someone say, "You know what, it's okay to have 2 kids in one bedroom. Here's how you do it."

Is there a particular HGTV show you find inspiring? Let me know in the comments!

77 comments:

MamaBirdEmma said...

I like Freecycle... It kind of reminds me of the TV version of your blog;)

Anonymous said...

I don't have cable either, so whenever I vacation I enjoy watching HGTV and other stations I wouldn't normally see at home so I'm reminded of how much I don't miss cable....

Heather said...

I love Decorating Cents with Joan Steffan. I can see spending $500 to completely redo a room, before I can see spending $30,000 to remodel a room.

Southerner said...

You know what, it's okay to have 2 kids in one bedroom. Here's how you do it."We actually used to have three kids in one room and two in the other. I put up the wood bunkbeds that have a desk and chair built in and the matching captain bed for the three boys. I did a daybed in the other and we just pulled out the trundle for daughter number two. I bought shelves for the boys room to put above the head for their trophies and stuff. On the lower bunk I put it on the back wall.

We have HGTV but I don't ever watch it. We did not have cable for two years and it is the same shows as two years ago. I don't like the trading spaces type shows or the designed to sell because they do really bad cover up work that is just that- a cover up.

Carrie J said...

I love Decorating Cents where they redo a room for no more than $500. It is at least feasible to consider a total room makeover at that price.
I also like Designed to Sell because we are preparing to put our house on the market in a few years and we want any changes we make to be marketable.
I used to watch quite a bit of HGTV but I found that it created a sense of dissatisfaction with what I have. I limit what and how much I will watch on that channel and I find I'm less inclined to be dissatisfied as a result.
We have been looking at a few houses on the market and I have to say that HGTV has inspired many people to try decorating techniques that maybe would be better left to professionals. They make it look so easy on the shows but if you don't have any talent in those areas, or at least some experience, it can go wrong really fast.
I have seen some horrific faux painting and extreme wall applications. One particularly horrendous one that comes to mind was where straw had been mixed in with wall compound. It was undesirably awful and would have taken hours and hours of work to remove.

Anonymous said...

Well, it's not *technically* HGTV, but it's along the same lines--I LOVE Clean House on the Style channel. (I think they have pretty much the same show on TLC called Clean Sweep.) They go into people's houses that are completely taken over by clutter--as in you literally can't see the floor. They help the family go through and declutter, then they sell at a yard sale whatever is salvagable out of the overflow. Whatever doesn't sell goes on a charity truck. Then they use the money they made at that garage sale to do some updates and redecorating to the house. I like it because it is resourceful, and when they didn't make that much money at the yard sale, they just have to get creative with what they have. And it's really inspiring to see some of the beautiful designs they come up with on such a small budget!

Life on 7th Avenue said...

I really like House Hunters. I think they do a good job showing a wide range of incomes.

Anonymous said...

I'm like carriej and don't watch too much HGTV. Although it inspires sometimes, it also leaves a feeling of discontent. I also enjoy Decorating Cents and Room by Room.

Anonymous said...

No cable here...I'm sure there are many channels I would enjoy, but it just doesn't seem like a good way for us to spend our money. As to taking care of what one already has, sharing rooms, etc., I say "Yes!" It is hardly child abuse, or third rate status, for a family to be content with the home they have, using all their powers of creativity to make it the best it can be. Think about the times you have been to a home that has that certain "something", & you feel comfortable & happy there. The "something" is a soul, an appreciation & love for that dwelling. The people care for their home...they're not constantly trying to get away from it!

Brenda

Stephanie Kay said...

It is definitely ok to have 2 kids in one room. I currently have 2 boys in one room and will soon have an infant boy and 2 yr. old girl in the other room. I'd love to "upgrade" to a bigger house but here in Rhode Island a bigger house (just one with 4 bedrooms instead of 3) will cost me $100-150,000 more on my mortgage. That's crazy!

Anonymous said...

I think HGTV is television aimed at kazillionaires! I would love a show that showed you what you could do to a room for $100 or less!

Kristina

TJ said...

I don't have cable, and while I enjoy HGTV on occasion, the consumerism often is too much for me.

When I was a nanny we actually had lots of people in the rooms. I shared a bedroom with the 12 year old girl. There was a trundle bed that we pulled out each night. The lady of the house had her own room. Downstairs a recent college grad who was staying there until he found his own place, shared a room with her youngest son. Her older son typically slept in the den. And the other bedroom was reserved for her other son and his wife or houseguests (which were frequent). On another occasion she actually took 2 huge display cases and used them to create a small section off the living room that was just big enough for a bed and her youngest son slept there. Later those two cases were used to partion one big room off into 2 small rooms for her son and daughter.

We won't ever see it on a show, but we all have blogs to share those great ideas.

Anonymous said...

I would rather head to IKEA and see how they set up living in small spaces. It really inspires me to make the most of my space and be organized.

Anonymous said...

Another vote for Decorating Cents - great ideas and a reasonable budget. I especially like the segments in the salvage yards! And once in a while, I'll watch Mission Organization or Clean Sweep for a little motivation. For the most part though, I find that HGTV shows tend to push my envy buttons, so I steer clear - and come over here instead. :-)

Quirky Cottage Owners said...

You have voiced something that has been my opinion for several years now. I just can't get excited about someone spending $30,000 to remodel their bathroom when with a little imagination and creativity they could have had the same look for $7,000.
So many of the shows on HGTV and others of its kind on cable TV are geared toward making you unhappy with what you have and spend money you would not have had you not seen the show.
Here in blogland I find real people facing real problems (money shortage and household needs) sharing workable solutions and celebrating God's never ending faithfulness in supplying our needs in unique ways.
Wouldn't that be a show we would like to see on HGTV -- God providing for our every need in unexpected ways. Makes me smile to think about it. Anyone know of a producer?
Rita

Anonymous said...

"When will someone say, "You know what, it's okay to have 2 kids in one bedroom. Here's how you do it."

My girls each have their own room - have had for a couple of years. And guess what? They choose to sleep in the same bedroom. Not only can it be done, that may be the way some kids prefer it!

Anonymous said...

I like Sensible Chic. They take expensive designer rooms and do their best to imitate for a much smaller budget. I find the end results more appealing than Decorating Cents (which does have some good ideas). It's more stuff I can see myself doing.

I don't have cable, so I generally don't get to watch. But if I'm visiting my in-laws it's fun to watch with my mother-in-law. I have had my mom tape some of them for me when I haven't been feeling well.

I've been tempted to get cable again and again, but I just know it would eat more time than I want it to.

Jennifer

Stephanie said...

I like Designed to Sell but often wonder why some of those people are moving in the first place! and if they ever decide to just stay when their house ends up looking totally different!

Moving Up is another favorite!

Anonymous said...

I rarely watch HGTV. I do like some shows like Designed to Sell, Decorating Cents and Design on a Dime. I find the other shows on HGTV to be very hypocritical. Everything is "green green green", but then in the same show they were throwing out a perfectly usuable dining table and light fixture. Right in the dumpster it went after they lectured about all the "green" things they do to save our enviroment, and what we should do as well. Guess it is only "green" if it is brand new and stinkin' expensive! Drives me insane. Also a lot of the shows are pretty much the same design, just a different designer. One time I saw two different shows use the same exact light fixture (after the first guy said it was an original!)on the same night. How many times can you do the same "modern" design without it getting boring. I don't see much variety of design in their shows. You would think they would encourage other types of design, not just the one.

Anonymous said...

HGTV was the only thing I really missed (other than the Rose Parade) when we ditched tv. However, I recently discovered you can see lots of full length episodes right on their website. It has definitely made my all night hours nursing a newborn much mroe pleasant.

We currently have 7 children in a 4 bedroom house. I cannot count the number of times people have asked recently about moving to a bigger house. That is the last thing I want to do - the maintenance alone would sap all my energy. I would much rather be close and playing games with the kids than struggling to clean a bigger house.

Lisa said...

I would say you're not missing anything at all by not having HGTV. I used to love it, but agree with the comment that it encouraged dissatisfaction in me. Not to mention that I just don't get into the particular styles of the moment (getting old and middle-aged, I guess). The only shows I currently watch are House Hunters and more so, House Hunters International. I like seeing what real homes look like.
L

laurel said...

That whole HGTV Green home thing annoys me to no end. They gave away an SUV with it, for crying out loud! And I totally agree with you, it is much more eco-friendly to refurbish the space you already have!!!
Anyway, I have always enjoyed House Hunters International. I think it is interesting to see the homes in other countries. That never fails to put things in perspective here...most homes in other countries are TINY by comparison!

Anonymous said...

There is another channel for Green Living, it's called GREEN.

Zegi said...

I was reading Cottage Living magazine the other day, and they had an article about various cottage communities around the country. What killed me about it was the sidebar for each community, with a "What will 300K buy you here?" comment. 300K?! For a COTTAGE! And only the rent-controlled communities even offered something less than that. Shame on them!

And here's a question: is it ok by most "normal" standards for a boy and a girl to share a room? I always kind of thought that was taboo.

Tasha said...

I too enjoy Decorating Cents but here is what I am finding across the board on HGTV..........they are quietly bringing gay couples (with children at times) onto their shows as families equal to a husband and wife.

HGTV used to be a safe channel to enjoy with my dds but that is changing.

Martha A. said...

I do not have that, but when i have watched it, I liked one where they used the stuff you had in your own house and redid the house with what you had. It was neat to watch! I also like the house selling ones too.

Sheree said...

I love HGTV because I get so many ideas from them that I can implement for a fraction of the amount they spend! We watch and get ideas then watch sales, freecycle, yard sales, thrift stores and craft stores and make our home look just as nice for so much less than they spend!

I absolutely do not like the home buying shows and the flip this house shows.

Debra said...

My husband is one of 13 kids and they had 4 bedrooms (which was probably alot back then)- one for the parents, the rest the kids shared. I cringe when I see people trade up to a bigger house just because they have another child (especially when they really can't afford it). Or, I love this, we need a bigger house because we have teenagers-WHAT?? If everyone shared more life might be happier anyway.

That said, I do love HGTV too. I like Designed to Sell and Deserving Design (w/ Vern Yip).

Have a great vacation!

Amiyrah said...

I now like myles of style. I think she comes up with very creative ideas and she tries to keep it pretty inexpensive, just like when she was on Design Star. I agree on the 2 to 3 kids in a bed room deal. Once we start trying for our second child, our sonny boy will be sharing a room with his sibling, girl or boy. Separate rooms really are a luxury, especially when children are, well, children.

Anne Marie@Married to the Empire said...

I watched HGTV years ago, and I found myself suddenly discontent with my own home and belongs. I think HGTV is what has fueled the granite countertop phase more than anything. The hosts of those shows always act horrified by builders' cabinets and laminate countertops. A home is never good enough, but must be upgraded with the most-expensive options. I think people watch this stuff and find themselves sucked into that mentality, then they go into debt to upgrade what was already functional and good enough.

I had to stop watching. Besides, there's only so much home improvement and decorating that I can take.

However, I do enjoy watching House Hunters once in a while. I just enjoy looking at houses for sale.

Mrs. Darling said...

Well I think it depends on what part of the country you live in. We live in a 500,000 dollar home and we are just an average family on one income. But you see the wages here are higher then in some other parts of the country. We could sell our house and move to the Midwest and buy a palace but then we woulent have the job to pay for the palace.

My husband is a blue collar worker and our house is paid for in full. We have never had more then one income. It can be done. BTW, we live in Oregon.

3boysmama said...

That's why we moved out of california! We had a modest 1250 sq foot bungalow 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, medium size lot. Built in 1925: sold for $575k!

AnnMarie said...

I would have said shows like Decorating Sense or Design on a Dime...but the problem is it's only that cost when A) you have every single tool you'll need and B) you get the supplies at cost. We spent $500 on our first project, painting the living room. We didn't even own a step ladder (new homeowners!) so had to buy absolutely every thing needed for the job except a screwdriver. And all we did was *paint*.

Meredith said...

Oh, I understand the regional variations in home prices--and don't mean to disparage those who are making it work for their families.

We are lucky to live in a relatively inexpensive area.

But even if we did move, my husband's salary would not move up enough to cover those house prices. I guess we would be buying more of a fixer upper than usual!

I wonder if the constant home prices they show encourage people in even CHEAPER parts of the country to think a $500,000 house is normal for a young family.

The Mom said...

Where we live (London, England) $500k would hardly buy a small 2 bed house.

It is all relative.

But I think you Americans have it much easier when it comes to housing.

I don't see American husbands and fathers earning any less than their English counterparts, yet they can buy a house for half the price.

Lol. Maybe that is why all Americans have two cars :-)

(tongue in cheek; I know you don't all have 2 cars)

But then I have a brother in Zambia who works as the CEO of Zambian Airlines and he supports on that salary 40 or so street children, as well as his own wife and family; who all live with him on a farm they own. . .

The cost of living is so different in dif parts of the world. (tho I think London is one of*the* most expensive cities to live in.)

Glad you are managing to relax and enjoy your break.
H

The Mom said...

PS - two children in one room??? We have five in one room, two in another, four in another and one child has her own room.

They are all happy :-)

Carolyn said...

Your comment about children sharing rooms struck a chord with me because when I had my second daughter last year we were (and still are) living in a two-bedroom apartment. One of my friends said she did not understand how in the world we were going to get by without a room for each child. She moved to a bigger place when she found out she was going to have her second and I wondered if she was going to continue to move or buy a new house every time she had more children.

Our daugthers are sharing a room and doing just fine. I have to admit that the baby slept in the dining room for a long time until I could get the two of them used to each other and not wake up when the other was crying. But after a lot of trial and error it worked. I actually have a lot of friends who also have their children sharing a room. It's not as unheard of as some people think.

Carolyn said...

Your comment about children sharing rooms struck a chord with me because when I had my second daughter last year we were (and still are) living in a two-bedroom apartment. One of my friends said she did not understand how in the world we were going to get by without a room for each child. She moved to a bigger place when she found out she was going to have her second and I wondered if she was going to continue to move or buy a new house every time she had more children.

Our daugthers are sharing a room and doing just fine. I have to admit that the baby slept in the dining room for a long time until I could get the two of them used to each other and not wake up when the other was crying. But after a lot of trial and error it worked. I actually have a lot of friends who also have their children sharing a room. It's not as unheard of as some people think.

Anonymous said...

We don't have cable either but I watch HGTV while on the treadmill at the gym. Usually I get to the gym when Mission Organization is on, which I think is one of the few shows that doesn't necessarily breed envy. Most of the participants are in real need of help and the professional organizers show how simple de-cluttering and organizing can bring harmony into one's home. It does show how people hold onto THINGS way too much which I think is a good reminder sometimes.

Holly C. said...

Yes-Design Remix is one of my favorites. They spend about $50.00 plus they buy paint. They makeover the room using things from other parts of the house and the garage, etc. I love it because it gives the "average person" ideas to use in their own home. After all-it's not much of a challange if you have a $30,000.00 budget, is it???

You can watch video clips on hgtv.com.

Anonymous said...

I love HGTV but I do agree that they make it seem like all of the high-end appiances and finishes (professional ovens, granite countertops, etc.) are the norm. My mom and I always laugh at how the "Before" kitchen on their makeover shows are nicer than the ones we have.

I still like the channel, though. I like seeing the different types of houses and getting ideas that my handy hubby can do in our home.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Meredith, HGTV has lost a lot in my opinion over the last few years. It used to be a lot more inspiring for us "normal" folks. Now, it seems to cater to either thrown together plywood junky painted stuff which I wouldn't have in my house or the mega-million rich & famous variety. I'd love to see a lot more in the middle. Divine Design is my favorite HGTV show at the moment & I enjoy the real estate shows, House Hunters & Designed to Sell.

The older shows like Kitty Bartholomew, Room by Room (corny, but good basic design sense), Designers Challenge, etc. were a lot more interesting to me. I'm watching a few shows on Fine Living Network now that are pretty good, Mail Order Makeover is one of my faves on there.

Rhoda

Tracy said...

WHEN I watch, I like House Hunters, and Room by Room.

Anonymous said...

As another poster said, the channel really does make people dissatisifed with what they have. I was watching a remodelling show on the channel the other day, and this couple had a perfectly nice kitchen (tile floor, wood cabinets) but they were like, "ugh, it's totally 80s!" And the host came in and completely remodelled it with granite (of course) and crazy stuff like the pot-filling faucets that go by the stove. It was like a $30k remodel. I kept thinking how this perfectly good kitchen was being torn up and wasted.

Charlotte said...

My Favorites are only available in reruns now, but Freestyle, spending nothing on a redo, and Design ReMix, I also learn alot from Mission organization, If you are careful you can use a lot of the ideas without spending a lot of money. When we first got cable, I really enjoyed most of their shows til I saw something in our area that was WAY more expensive than our house, and we were in a nicer area...
It is all relative.

Anonymous said...

We have cable but only so we can watch EWTN & English Premier League soccer. At one time, I did get hooked on watching some HGTV but as others commented, I found it leaving a sense of discontentment. I don't watch it all anymore.

Anonymous said...

love those shells Meredith.

And your larger point, have often watched HGTV folks with one infant moving up from a 2400 sq ft that "feels too cramped" : )

I love Candice Olsen. Her elevations and renderings are the best, and team of skilled guys to do her bidding, and the FABRICS... !!!! Of course she's not a frugal choice, but still.

Then I enjoy Karen (the redhead) who goes into other parts of the client's home and finds items to re-purpose. I also like another Karen show where she teaches the homeowners design principles and how to find their own style.

Hope you are enjoying your trip,

deb meyers

Sheree said...

I don't think the HGTV necessarily breeds discontentedness in folks. I think folks who are not content with what they have already are the ones who are "at risk" for this affecting them that way.
We bought our first house a year ago and its a lovely little home. I love it. There are tons of things I want to do with it, but all in good time. I am not uncontent with it, I just want ideas to beautify it...and again, beauty is also in the eye of the beholder so what one person might hate, another may love. I can't see blaming a television channel for someone being unhappy with their home.
We have a 3 bedroom home and 5 children. My 4 boys share a room. My dd has her own room (the smallest bedroom in the house is hers). We don't need a huge house for all these kids because all to soon they will grow up and move on.
I love the design and decorating ideas and the color schemes that they show on there. I love seeing how they build various pieces of furniture too...we saw one show (and i wish i could remember the name of it) where they remodeled a girls room. They built a trundle bed for it and a headboard and footboard for next to nothing and you know what? I could make one of the trundle beds that way. They put together colors that I often would not have thought to put together...they decorate with things that just wouldn't normally occur to me to use.....but really, its all relevance, kwim? If you are miserable with your house then sure, you are going to see those houses and have some serious envy. If you are fairly content and watch then you are getting ideas and whatnot. I just can't sit here and agree that HGTV causes folks to be unhappy with what they have.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to read I'm not the only one who gets those feelings of dissatisfaction watching those shows. I used to be quite well-off, and now I'm well, not. Loved the shows when I was sitting in my fancy 6000 sq ft house with the custom cabinets and cleaning lady (was that REALLY my life?!) but now in my little place with the trailer-issue pressboard "cabinets" and the floor starting to cave in (how will we afford those repairs?)they don't seem so great. All I can see is the waste and the excess and the focus on material things as an end in and of themselves. I need to be happy with what God has blessed me with, and yes, He has blessed me.

Marsha said...

Another vote for Design on a Dime here, although sadly it doesn't seem to be on anymore - at least during the 20 minutes a week I have to sit and check. I like Candace Olsen's show, too, because while it's spendy, she really goes over the design principles she uses. Even though I'll never have the kind of interiors she creates I do get some usable information.

As for the two-kids-in-a-room thing, Cookie Magazine regularly features such arrangements, as well as kids with teeny tiny rooms, kids with very limited amounts of material belongings, and so on. True, the overall editorial preference is toward the higher-end, but I find the magazine to be much more realistic (not to mention "green" and generally thoughtful than people credit.

Jane said...

I liked Decorating Cents and there was another- Sensible Chic-with an inspiration room that they recreate for $1,000-which is still too much for me. I do get good ideas tho.

I also do not have cable and enjoy watching when I can on vaca. Sometimes my dad burns me dvd's of those shows as a present!

Nicola said...

meredith, we just moved our baby boy into our preschool daughter's room a week ago. we own a 2 bedroom home in an expensive area of the country. anyway, here is my blog post about how we did it and it is still going wonderfully:
http://whichname.blogspot.com/2008/06/first-night.html

Anonymous said...

I am so pleased to see there are others without cable besides our family. My parents were so horrified we did not even have a TV that my dad went out and bought us a 48 in. flat screen. We use it to watch movies now, but I really think it is a waste and feel guilty.

As far as sharing rooms, I have two kids in one room and two in another. No child has ever complained, and they enjoy each other.

TheNormalMiddle said...

If everyone lived that way, there would be no need for an HGTV show to parade it in front of us, would there?

It is sensationalism. I don't let it ruffle my feathers. I actually don't know ANYONE who lives either of those lifestyles you described.

Hope you guys are having a good time! :)

mama k said...

I've heard it said that the job of advertising is to make you disatisfed with your life. I'd say that TV in general can have that effect.
Personally, I enjoy the home makeover shows "Clean House" (where they help the homeowners clear out their clutter, have a yard sale and use the profits to makeover their house on budget) and the UK show "How Clean is Your House" (where they go into seriously cluttered and dirty homes and do some deep cleaning and give the homeowners great cleaning tips... they don't buy them new stuff, but teach them to care for what they already have).
Regular makeover type shows are rather materalistic and annoying to me.

zakkalife said...

I really don't watch TV much any more. I think blogging replaced it.

I thought I would share this, where I live a two bedroom house costs $500,000. And yes, my children share a room.

Kathy in WA said...

Nothing puts a spin on reality like cable tv. :)

Duckabush Blog Dh wrote a long post about our 'tomato-staking' parenting. Now that's a true eco challenge. Ha!

Anonymous said...

Two kids per bedroom is what we do in my house! We have a four bedroom house, and four kids, so we could have a couple of them in their own rooms if we wanted. (And if we wanted to give up our well-used guest room/office/ sewing room!) I love having my kids share rooms, and I think it promotes their relationships, as well as sharing, negotiation, compromise, etc!

Harper said...

Only $500K? Where I am that will by you a 1 bedroom condo (converted from a studio apartment) at best. Judging from my own observations, these prices get people to change how they live. The successful professional lives in an apartment with a roommated. People delay marriage till their late thirties and live a wild life in the mean time. Kids come in their forties. Buying is part of the retirement plan. That's why I don't want to live in Silicon Valley anymore.

Anonymous said...

I don't have time to read all your comments now, but I will come back later---Always enjoy your topics and reader responses!

I, too, do not have cable and have not been able to watch my beloved HGTV in the five years since we gave it up. Vacations are because it's free & fun to come back to the hotel room from excursions and flop down in front of HGTV.

My favorite is still "HOUSE HUNTERS". My son and I used to watch it when he was a baby and make all the opening noises: "Bing-Bong! Buh-Ba-Ba-Baah! Ba-chi-Baah!" Anyway, I love to see how other people live--which is one reason why I like to read your blogs and others. I find it interesting to hear their stories, see their furniture and imagine their vision. I can't believe what people buy and how much it costs. It's sort of like the Travel Channel for me (another one we no longer get)!

Tubo Family said...

I wish we'd been wise enough to realize the unrealistic expectations we were creating for ourselves by watching hgtv A LOT right around the time we bought our 2nd house--we have more space than we really "need" and definitely more mortgage than we really want because at the time our first born was less than a year and we assumed I'd be going back to work soon. I do love the organizing/decluttering shows and House Hunter too, especially now that they say the price range the buyers are looking for--gives me an idea of the relative markets.

Anonymous said...

Want to talk about sharing a space? I grew up living in a 'trailer' or mobile home. The largest one was just 12 X 60 and there were 3 bed rooms. There was 7of us. Five kids and mom and dad. So it was 'close' to say the least.
I do not watch much TV at all. I do like Designed to Sell and the older Room by Room...that is about it. I have not watched in a really long time. We do have cable, but I just do not take the time for TV. Roxie

Anonymous said...

Last April my in-laws joined us on vacation---the little one followed mil everywhere and I watched HGTV everyday! We don't do TV at home, so on vacation we do veg out some, in-between activities. I like Curb Appeal; also the international episodes about what homes are worth----those always make me thankful for what I have. I tell my dh, "Look--our home is really worth $$$$, not $----if we lived in _______!"

I can't handle too much, though, because I dream about what I want to fix up at my house when I get home!

Anonymous said...

I like Decorating Cents and Design on a Dime -- they both show easy and creative ways to decorate without spending big bucks.

ITA with you ... we should look for ways to adapt and make our homes greener, rather than creating a brand new space just to be green.

Lisa said...

Amen Sister! Our kids have always shared bedrooms and it has been a good thing for them. We do not need a 6000 sq. ft house nor do we need satellite.
My oldest child is going off to college and she says sharing a room will help her with a roommate. Also, she and her roommate have agreed to not have a TV in their dorm room!
When we vacation we do watch some HGTV.
Lisa Q
lifewiththequeens.blogspot.com

The Mom said...

Good comment "the purpose of advertising is to make you discontent"

How true.

H

Carrien Blue said...

I'm in a bit of a different situation here. Because if it weren't for the people who spend $30,000 on a kitchen remodel complete with granite countertops, my husband wouldn't have a job, and we wouldn't have a roof over our heads. (Okay, he would probably be doing something else but whatever.) He could leave carpentry and do something else, including teach high school, but he would have to take a significant pay cut to do that. Those people pay our bills.

That said, I love watching HGTV because I know I could get any of those things I wanted for cost if I designed it, DH could build it. You know, when we finally buy a house. IT's a dream. I agree that at times it can make you dissatisfied, but there's also the element of making home a pleasant place that has ever been a woman's talent and expression.

That said, We live in a 900 square foot apartment, with 2 bedrooms and 3 children, and because we live in one of the most expensive places to live in the US we pay more for rent than I'm sure a lot of your readers pay for their mortgage given the gaping at house prices.

When we had out first we lived in a one bedroom, and he was in our room. Then we had our second, and we still lived in a one bedroom apartment and she was in our room too. I think we could have happily added the 3rd to that one bedroom apartment as well had it not been for the landlord's restrictions, and the downstairs neighbors not liking the sound of kids at play on hardwood floors.

When we finally moved our oldest son into his own room when we got a two bedroom he would sadly ask every night, "Mommy, Why am I all by myself and everyone else has someone to sleep with? Why doesn't anyone sleep with me?"

So I moved him back into the big bedroom with everyone else and the other room just holds toys and clothes and guests.

Eventually we'll move all 3 kids into the 2nd bedroom together and have ours to ourselves again, but I'm not in a hurry. They grow up way too fast as it is.

Anonymous said...

There are two shows I really enjoy. The Carol Duvall craft show (which is not on very often) and If Walls Could Talk. They visit old homes and research the history of the building.
Ruth, PA

Kellie said...

Decorating Cents...
They redo a room for under $500, mostly by reusing things or refurbishing things.
And they also have a segment on redoing a room without spending any money, but using what you have around your home and moving furniture and stuff.
It's great because it shows resourcefulness.

Anonymous said...

I love house hunters...but I do wonder where these people get all their money. Bad economy? Doesn't seem so!

Elise said...

When we used to have cable I watched Decorating Cents. However, $500 was still too much for me.
I now have blogs to replace the tv!!
Elise

Elise said...

When we used to have cable I watched Decorating Cents. However, $500 was still too much for me.
I now have blogs to replace the tv!!

Anonymous said...

I asked the same quetion about someone complainting about working then buying a bigger home because she had too much stuff. I told her maybe she had too much stufff. She looked at me as if I had 2 heads. That was about 4 years ago when our kids were in the same dance class and I bet she still is complainting about workings. Can't understand some people

Sonny said...

Once upon a time I watched but I got disenchanted. A lot of the stuff they did to freshen up a place was expensive even when looking for less expensive things to do it with. Decorating Cents would have to be the best though.

Julie said...

Ha! I watched an episode of House Hunters once (while on vacation of course). The couple was adament that they only wanted to spend so much on their home. The real estate lady was flat nasty to them. She kept showing them houses out of what they wanted to spend. Finally she convinced them to go up... just a little bit. It was ridiculous.

My favorite channel to watch on vacation is The Food Network!

Stacy said...

I wrote a post about living in a small space:


http://texasczech.blogspot.com/2008/07/small-living-spaces.html

I miss that little house.

Anonymous said...

I remember one day when I was watching Decorating Cents, the show that has the most reasonable budget on HGTV, so it's the only one my husband will pay attention. But that day he turned to look at me and said, "You know, 500.00 is a lot of money. We just think it's cheap because it's cheaper than the other shows." Hmmm.