HGTV is hands down the best television network out there... don't argue me on it. My obsession started 6 years ago when I was in the 8th grade. I would come home from school and put on HGTV. I attempted my homework while watching the amazing renovations done on "Divine Design" with Candice Olson and "Color Splash" with David Bromstad. Back then, these were my go-to shows which, unfortunately, are no longer aired. During the time, I would never have expected my obsession for this channel to grow as strong as it is now... but it has. The obsession has grown so strong it’s almost dangerous. "Fixer Upper," "Flip or Flop," "House Hunters", "House Hunters International," "Love It or List It," "Property Brothers"…etc. Things became even more exciting when Ellen announced her own show on HGTV-my favorite human having a show on my favorite network- what could be better? These days I am completely content with sitting down and watching HGTV all day. And nothing’s better than a great marathon day of your favorite show. If you’re as addicted as me… I’m sure you can relate to the following.
1. You’ve already mentally started planning your trip to Waco, Texas
Not all of us our going to be fortunate enough to live in Waco, Texas and have Chip and Jo renovate a house for us. If you end up being one of those lucky people, please invite me over. For the rest of us, we have already looked in to a trip to the Silos and cringed at the price to stay in the Magnolia House (nearly 700 to 1000 dollars a night depending on when you plan your trip). My life would be complete if I could fly out to Waco to shop around Chip and Jo’s Magnolia Market, hang out on the Lawn, eat at the delicious food trucks on site, walk around the Garden, and get an endless supply of cupcakes at soon-to-be Magnolia Flour.
2. You get stressed out when they come across problems on "Flip or Flop"
Tarek and Christina work with a tight budget in order to add value to the homes while earning a successful profit. They deal with a roller-coaster renovation every episode. There aren’t many times that I watch the show without stressing out for them. I’ll sit on my couch cheering them on as they attempt to find more money to fix major problems. After compromising and finding ways to make their budget work, they usually produce a successful flip and everyone can sigh of relief.
3. "House Hunters" is life
Basically, "House Hunters" controls your life. It’s addicting. You’ve become such a pro at watching this show that you usually can guess which house they end up with. You’ve probably made it a goal to be on "House Hunters" one day.
4. You’ve become very critical
From picky buyers to terrible layouts- you have an opinion. To the picky buyers, we understand you want an open concept with a gourmet kitchen, 4 bedrooms, a giant walk- in closet, tray ceilings and a large backyard for your dog to run around in. However, with the budget you have in the area you’re looking in, you might need to settle for the house that needs some work, has 3 bedrooms and a local park for you to take your dog to run carelessly. Luckily in the end they always end up happy.
5. You know your design materials
Granite, marble, backsplash, hardwood, stone- even shiplap. Thanks to Joanna Gaines we now all want shiplap in our future homes.
6. You’ve contemplated going into the real estate or interior design business
With all of the HGTV you've watched, you’re pretty confident you would be a pro in this area. You hope to become so successful in your home flipping/renovating abilities that you will land your own show on HGTV.
7. You only hope that one day you can pick up and move to the Caribbean
To the couples buying the tropical beachfront houses with the million-dollar view…I envy (and applaud) you. Hopefully we can be neighbors on that island one day.
8. Chip and Joanna are goals
Every girl just wants to find their Chip Gaines.
9. The Scott Brothers are the best brothers
Together, these twin giants have taken over HGTV by hosting several shows. Jonathan and Drew are professional yet fun and make for great entertainment.
10. You enter for the HGTV Dream Home religiously
When given the opportunity to enter for a million-dollar home designed by the pro’s, thousands of dollars in cash, and a new car, you enter away. You make sure there’s time in your schedule every day to submit your two entries. Imagining the possibility of moving to a unique place and living in a breathtaking home gets you excited. Your heart shatters a little when you watch the giveaway realizing you were not the lucky winner. (I'm still sad over the 2010 New Mexico home). But it’s okay…there is always next year.
