One of the things I like about winter (yes…there are a few!) is the new tv programming that hits HGTV in January/February.

If you’ve tuned in lately, you’ve seen the barrage of commercials promoting new shows. And if you are a junkie like me, you can’t help but grab a few on the DVR to check ‘em out.

Here’s a couple that have caught my attention….

• Sarah 101 – “…is yet another fresh departure for the ever versatile Sarah Richardson. Sarah 101 is a back-to-basics crash course in design that breaks every project into simple building blocks and showcases Sarah’s signature approach of tips and tricks to solve design problems, so that you can transform any room in your home!”

• Cracking Antiques – “Vintage dealer and interior designer Kathryn Rayward and antiques expert Mark Hill present Cracking Antiques, a refreshing new series which drags antiques from their pedestals, blows the dust off them and shows how they can be more affordable, stylish and better made than much of what the high street has to offer. Using their knowledge, skills and expertise, they show how antiques can be for everyone and no longer the preserve of stately homes.”

If neither of those capture your attention…how about “The Vanilla Ice Project”?!?

Yes, I said Vanilla Ice…..of the 1989 “ice, ice, baby” fame. Now this is not on HGTV, rather it’s being promoted for the DIY Network, but they are certainly promoting the heck out of it.

Apparently, Vanilla (can I call him “Vanilla”? “Mr. Ice”?) has “15 years experience in home renovation as a general contractor” and he’s about “to start his biggest project yet.”

Hmmm….I guess there was time between the music…er…career, the arrests, the downfall, the many re-inventions of himself, and the various TV appearances including The Surreal Life, Celebrity Bull Riding Challenge, and (you won’t believe this one….) Dancing on Ice (UK), to hone is contracting skills.

Let’s not forget, he also dated Madonna for a bit back in his heyday.

Maybe worth tuning in, after all.

Or at least checking it out….how can you resist?

For more about rouge, visit www.littlered.ca or check out past blogs at www.justalittlerouge/blogspot.com