How do you feel about competition shows? You know, the type of show that starts with a bunch of people, they compete in challenges, and one gets eliminated every week until the final competition? I personally love them. I love all kinds of elimination-style TV series, even about topics I’m not even interested in. I guess it’s the competitive nature in me coming out, or maybe the producers are just really good at making the show addictive. In case you’re into that type of show, here’s a few of the ones that keep my attention the most and where you can binge them.
Making It, a crafting competition. I watch old episodes all the time to boost my creativity when feeling stuck. I’ve even connected with some of the contestants on IG and have become good friends with them. Fun fact, I was actually asked to audition for the show by one of their recruiters last year! But I prefer to watch, not participate, so I politely declined. Stream Making It on Hulu and YouTubeTV; new season airs first on NBC in June 2021.
Face Off, a special effects makeup competition. This show features makeup artists that turn actors into creatures. Like all the crazy looking characters in Harry Potter and X-Men, they morph people in amazing ways. I never even knew I was into that kind of thing, but the show is so cool to watch. If you love a good before-and-after transformation, watch Face Off on SyFy, or stream on Hulu, Peacock, and YouTubeTV.
Ink Master, a tattooing competition. This show has been going on for quite a long time, and I really like watching it. I assumed I liked it because I have lots of tattoos, but my husband likes it too and he only has one small one. Turns out, even tattoo-less people like watching because sometimes the tattoos turn out REALLY badly. Like a train wreck you can’t look away from. Watch Ink Master on Paramount, or binge old episodes on Netflix.
Clipped, a topiary competition. This is a new show that is only two episodes in, as of today. I have no idea how I stumbled onto it, and I’ve never had any interest in topiaries. But there’s something about this show that I just love. Watching them precisely clip trees and grass is so oddly satisfying. And Martha Stewart is one of the judges and she’s my Queen. Watch new episodes of Clipped on HGTV, and stream the day after airing on Discovery Plus.
Your turn! What competition shows do you love to watch? New or old, doesn’t matter. Share your faves in the comments and what makes them so addictive to watch.

Random Thoughts This Saturday Morning
I buy a specialty cat food from Tractor Supply because it’s the only food in the world that doesn’t have all the allergens that bothers one of my cat’s colitis. Apparently the rest of my town buys it, too, because it’s always sold out. I’ve got two day’s worth of cat food left. If you live in Cleveland, stop hoarding the cat food please.
I found out how to hack my DSLR camera to my cell phone, so now I can take photos one the tripod while seeing a preview on my phone and using it as a remote. Where has this been all my life???
Do you prefer fleece blankets or cotton ones when you’re lounging at home? Fleece blankets are so soft but I get so hot. And cotton blankets make me feel cold. I can’t find the right balance.
I heard on the news that Lil Jon (a rapper) is going to be doing a renovation show on HGTV called Lil Jon Wants To Do What? And that’s a perfect title because I’m both confused and intrigued. What are you doing HGTV?
Help Please! Our stone fireplace has moss (I hope it’s moss and not mold!) growing on it inside the house. I read online that you can scrub it off, but it didn’t work. Stone Fireplace Owners, have a hack for me?

What’s New On The Blog
I updated a few oldies that are some of my most popular posts with new photos and more current info, including my cleaning caddy tutorial and board game storage hacks. I also shared my secret for finding home decor items I’ve only seen in photos by using a Google Reverse Image Search.
This week was also due for another installment in the Cricut Beginner Series, and I spilled the tea on all things Weeding. What it means, how to do it, and what specialty tools you do and don’t need to bother using.

Fun Things I Found This Week
I’m obsessed with this lightweight summer sweatshirt from Old Navy.
This list of 35 things you can do for yourself today.
I heard these sneakers are the most comfortable ever, and they’re under $70.
This tutorial for restoring a crazy-rusty cast iron skillet.
These vintage bread boards instantly make your kitchen Instagramable.
These DIY clay beads are on my to-make list next month.
This mug is the perfect Father’s Day gift for Dad Joke lovers.
This porch bench has secret hidden storage, which is great for asking package delivery people to conceal your deliveries if you live in high traffic areas. Or you can stash 30 pounds of bird seed inside…

Before You Go
We have a debate happening in the Burris house. I want to paint the fireplace white. Well, I don’t want to, but I feel like we need to. In order to seal the stone so it doesn’t grow more moss or mold, we need to apply some kind of sealer. I think actual sealer would make it look slick, shiny, and fake, so I suggest painting it white. Hub wants it to look natural and not seal it with anything, just clean it more often. But that’s a LOT of work to do.
What would you do with this fireplace? Would you paint it or would you leave it natural?
Christy says
I would leave the fireplace natural. I think if it was white it would not be near as striking as it is now with your gorgeous ceiling. I can see why you don’t want to seal it with something that would make it shiny, but our (outside) brick was sprayed with a sealer a long time ago and it didn’t make the brick shiny at all. I bet they make something you can seal it with that won’t make it shiny.
Lela Burris says
Oh that is so good to know, I’ll keep looking for sealers and try a few on our outside stones to see how they do. Thank you!
Teri Vapenik says
My husband and I love competition shows! The Amazing Race, The Voice, Chopped, Rock the Block and most recently Worst Cooks. That is hilarious and makes me feel better about what I can do in the kitchen 🙂
Lela Burris says
Oh I forgot about Worst Cooks! That show is so much fun to watch!
Brenda J Boyles says
I would leave the fireplace natural but I usually choose natural over paint for everything.
Lela Burris says
Thank you Brenda! We really want to keep it natural if we can find a way to make it safe and mold proof.