Three Januarys ago, I picked up a new book at the library called House Lust: America’s Obsession with Our Homes, and it changed. My. Life. For real. Because it talked about how some people just can’t get enough of houses–looking at them, talking about them, thinking about them. And I realized that there are other people out there like me!
The same day I finished reading the book–January 20, 2008–I practically ran to my computer and started this blog, determined to find those like-minded souls who love houses as much as I do. Because, frankly, I think my family and friends were tired of getting my constant e-mails on the topic (You’ve got to see this house! It’s CRAZY!).
I mentioned House Lust that first week and was astounded to get an e-mail from the author himself, Daniel McGinn. I had no idea that you could just mention someone you admired on the Internet and get a personal response! He not only let me interview him for another post, but he sent me two autographed copies of his book–one to give away, and one to keep.
In that interview with him, I mentioned that I admired Sarah Susanka, who wrote the Not So Big House books. Imagine my shock when I got an e-mail from her next, asking if she could personally address my readers with some thoughts of her own. I nearly fell off my chair.
I had only been at this for a couple of weeks and had already heard from the authors of two of my favorite books! I was officially hooked on blogging.
Since then, I’ve written 918 posts, which have gotten about 50,000 comments and 14 million page views. Never, in my wildest dreams, could I have imagined all the friends I would make, the fun I would have, the opportunities it would bring, or how much work it would be. I quickly learned that blogging’s a lot harder than it looks!
To tell you the truth, some days I’m tired and wonder how much longer I can keep this up! I spend a crazy number of hours on the blog. I work nights and weekends. I take the computer with me on vacations. I get over 100 e-mails a day now, and staying on top of them is a constant challenge. But you want to know what keeps me going?
Your comments! Without comments, there would be no community. And the thing I love most about this blog is the community that has built around it. Some of you have been faithfully responding to my posts almost every day for the three years I’ve been writing them, which is simply amazing.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Without your daily encouragement and feedback, I would have given up on this blog a long time ago. But I keep going because I want to keep up my end of the conversation!
So, Happy 3rd Birthday, Blog! Now, who wants a piece of cake? 
{ 177 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy blogiversary!!
I have only been reading for a few months and had never heard of those books! Now I have to go check them out!!
Thanks for the book recs and happy blogiversary!!1
.-= Samantha´s last blog ..Strike Three… We’re Out! =-.
Happy 3rd Birthday! Keep up the fantastic work! Your work is therapy to the rest of us.
THANKS!
I do! I do!! A piece with lots of frosting!
Oh, Julia, I’m so proud for you! Aren’t we all so glad that you ran to your computer that January day? Just look at the house that Julia built!
You know, blogging IS hard, especially a blog done the way you do it. You are a standard-setter, in my opinion. You deserve every ounce of your success.
Thank you for being such an inspiration to me and so many others!
.-= Richella at Imparting Grace´s last blog ..Organization 101 =-.
Aw, Julia! Well, I have not been here for the whole three years, but I have been here for two years, at least! I was so glad to have found your blog because, i , like you, felt alone in a world of house obsession. Even wehn we bought our first house, I was still looking at MLS, and my husband thought I was just being ungrateful- but NO! I just love houses! Their characters, their features, I am simply Hooked on Houses! so thank you for all of your hours of hard work, energy, family time, and patience! Those of us desperately craving house pics appreciate it!
Julia -You are doing a great job and certainly found a niche! Keep it up!
-Trish
.-= Trish @TheOldPostRoad´s last blog ..My Latest Addiction =-.
Cheers to House Lust!!!!
.-= Mr. Goodwill Hunting´s last blog ..man cavepart 1 =-.
Wow! Has it really been 3 years? Congrats & happy anniversary! You know I’m a big fan. Thanks for all the great reads. Cheers!
.-= TheGREENCTRealtor´s last blog ..52 Growth Rate in Environment-Related Careers =-.
Happy Blogaversary!!! I remember the first time I found your blog and it felt like home right away-especially after I diagnosed myself as a house-addict by taking your quiz. I love being a very small part of the community here and love reading every post.
Thanks for all you do!
.-= rosie at 3rosebuds´s last blog ..American Girl Farmhouse Bed from Knock-off Wood =-.
Happy Anniversary!!!
Kisses
Etta
Oh happy day! I love seeing all the great houses that you write about.
.-= Christine´s last blog ..Day Eighteen – Project 365 =-.
Happy Anniversary, Julia! Your blog is such a fave for me – have been following it for a few years. LOVE your posts, the bad MLS listings, and the inspirational homes you profile. And you’re directly responsible for me starting my own (very new) blog – it’s only been a week since my blog has been up, but I’m loving it so far!
Enjoy your special day – you deserve all of the kudos and praise coming your way!
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Subscribe =-.
Your blog is an inspiration. Happy Anniversary! Please keep at it. Until I discovered blogs I thought I was the only one out there who watched movies just for the house, would virtual tour ever house for sale in my neighborhood, etc. Thank you, big!
Yours was the first house blog I started to read regularly, and I absolutely love it. I know how hard it can be to maintain a daily blog, and I applaud you for your stick-to-it-tiveness. Rock on!
.-= the 7msn ranch´s last blog ..Coyote Moon =-.
Wow! That is an amazing story. You connected with authors you admired, right off the bat. That is so inspiring. Thanks for sharing your story. As a new blogger (bloggin’ about fixing up my house + other rooms that inspire me), I love seeing the “behind the scenes” aspect of other blogs.
~Tanya
dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com
.-= Tanya´s last blog ..Inspiration- Splashes of Red =-.
Happy Blogiversary, Julia! I *heart* your blog. I do love houses, but not to the detriment of my family’s bank account, LOL (not yet, anyway…)!
I want you to know that I truly appreciate your kind responses to my emails, and I also appreciate your dedication to your blog and its readers.
By the way, the cake looks delicious ;D
I hope you have a super day!
xoxoxo,
Ricki Jill
.-= Ricki Jill Treleaven´s last blog ..My Husbands Favorite Breakfast Casserole =-.
Happy Blog Birthday!
Thank you for doing this!
You put it so well… Our blog entries, together with comments from Dear Readers, IS a lovely conversation. !!!!!!!!!
Hugs & ?’s…
‘Cause Valentine Day is coming!
.-= ‘Aunt Amelia’´s last blog ..Eeek! They just keep growing! >- =-.
I love your blog! I check it everyday to see what’s new. I don’t comment much, but you’ve inspired me to be more social here! And I do love looking at houses, too. These two books look great, so I’ll be checking to see if my library has them on the self. Congratulations on your 3 year blog!
.-= Becky´s last blog ..Spring Azaleas in Watercolor Art Society-Houston January Exhibit =-.
I’m so glad I found your blog over a year ago! Like you, I was super excited to find people like me that look at real estate listings just for fun and dream about renovating and decorating!!! Thanks for keeping it up!!!
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Shaklee Cleaning Products =-.
Julia, Thank you so much for all you do to brighten my life a bit each day. You have inspired me enough to start my own little Blog. I can only say thank you, as well, for following your passion as it is a great example to all of us to really strive to find what truly makes us happy. Congratulations on your third very successful anniversary, and I will look forward to many more years of being Hooked !
.-= Nadia´s last blog ..Today- I Am Loving These =-.
Julia, I don’t remember when I started reading your blog, but I was hooked once I started. Happy Blogiversary and THANKS for all the fun posts. It’s been an amazing journey!
.-= Jocelyn´s last blog ..Vintage Thingie Thursday =-.
happy anniversary. I do love your blog, it is a great escape!!!
.-= TerritoryMom´s last blog ..Snow Storm Is A Comin =-.
When I found your blog I was in HOUSE HEAVEN. I, too, am hugely interested (some may say obsessed) in homes. I worked as a Realtor for awhile just to be around them daily:) and now as a property appraiser (still around them daily). THANK YOU for giving all of us home enthusiasts this most wonderful blog to come to every day to get our house fix! I love how you mix decorating, homes for sale, movie homes, and celebrity homes. Congratulations on a very successful blog and may you have many more successful years to come.
.-= Naomi Miranowski´s last blog ..Cool Beans! =-.
Happy 3rd Birthday Julia!!!
May I also say that it’s been YOU who have inspired ME to get my website
revamped as a BLOG! yes. You have been most inspiring to my own design craze
and it’s been you I have learned so very much from…so thank you for all you do!
Love your site. Love your work.
Thanks for giving me my regular “house fixes”! I know my husband thinks I’m insane, when he sees me perusing the real estate listings (even though we JUST bought a new house!). It’s nice to feel understood.
.-= Jenny@Evolution of Style´s last blog ..Master Bedroom Evolution =-.
Thanks for the great blog and 3 years of it! I just requested those two books from my library, can’t wait to read them!
Well Julia… Happy Birthday! Without your blog, I would never have found the ‘Blogosphere’… Yours was the first blog I ever read, and which subsequently, lead to my blog… Thank you! Thank you for your time and putting out a quality blog. A bright star in a very crowded sky! Lx
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Tea cozy love =-.
Happy Anniversary, Julia. I was so glad to find your blog, about a year ago, to see there were others just like me! Thanks for everything you do!
We’re so grateful you put so much energy into this blog, so all us “house-addicts” can enjoy your insights!
Happy anniversary! I just only recently found your blog (I’ve only been blogging for a couple of months) and got hooked on it. Keep it on!
.-= IAMSNWFLAKE´s last blog ..Pequeños rincones para trabajar en casa =-.
Happy Blogiversary! And yes, I want some cake!
.-= Alison´s last blog ..Linen Closet Ooh la la =-.
Congratulations! Thank you so much for being here! I have been enjoying your blog very much for at least two years, and remember laughing a lot while taking the test to see if I was hooked on houses. (As if I didn’t know.) Here’s to another year of entertainment and inspiration!
Happy Blogaversary! Julia! Your blog is one of the first I go to when reading through my feeds. Here’s to the next three more years…or the next thirty!
.-= Kelly D´s last blog ..1848 Italianate- Palmyra- MO =-.
Happy blog birthday!! That was such an awesome story of how your blog got started, thanks for sharing it! All of your success has been well-deserved and earned, good luck on the next 3 years!
.-= Liz @ It’s Great To Be Home´s last blog ..The Flip- The Master Bathroom- Then & Now =-.
I love those books!!!
.-= jennie w.´s last blog ..Item of the Week-Cereal =-.
I’m not a big commenter on any web page but I read daily! I was very excited when I found your blog about a year ago because I LOVE houses and I always want to see what movie houses really look like. Thanks for all of your fun posts!
I especially love hearing from people who don’t usually comment on blogs. Thanks, Shannon!
Happy 3rd blog-birthday to you Julia!! You KNOW I love looking at all the houses you show us! It brings to mind an old expression…”there’s no accounting for tastes.” haha. Thank goodness we’re not all the same (how boring would THAT be?) but WOW – some people are really “out there” in their decorating tastes, aren’t they? Some of the houses give me great decorating ideas, and others…not so much. But each one is certainly interesting, and I thank you for all your hard work in bringing them to us. So glad I found Hooked on Houses! {Hugs to you, Friend!} ~Sally
.-= Sally´s last blog ..Circles Photo Challenge =-.
Happy Blogiversary! I think I found your blog about the time you started – and I was hooked on YOU! Yours immediately became one of my daily must reads and has held true ever since! My husband Dan says I love looking at homes so much (magazines, books, models, open houses…) that I am addicted to house porn! HA! I think Hooked on House is a more eloquent way to state it.
So glad you decided to start your blog Julia! I really think you should celebrate with some cake today!
.-= Kristen @ More Than Mulberries´s last blog ..Getting Organized – Day Twelve! =-.
I can relate to the light bulb going off in your head when you found out there were other people out there like you – crazy about houses. Reading YOUR blog (the first one I found, btw) was that moment for me! I absolutely LOVE both McGinn and Susanka, too! Thanks and Congratualtions!
3 blog years is how many dog years ?
Congratulations!
I can’t remember how I found this blog but it’s the only one I carve out time for. I too felt like my fascination with houses was unique but it’s so great to find a community here.
And I have to say this interest has inspired me to become a runner too – what better way to see historic neighborhoods around the country!
Happy 3rd blogiversary!! I need to comment more…you know I love your blog, my Southern Illinois connection. I just read this yesterday: Sofia Coppola said, “The best at-home escape is looking at real estate on the internet! My friends and I say it’s like online porn for women.” Haha. I love that!! Your blog is part of my online porn. Ick. That sounds gross. Let’s just leave it at I love your blog, and I am so happy that you have grown it like you have!! Congratulations!!
Happy 3rd, Julia! I’ve only been reading for a couple years, so I missed Sarah Susanka. You lucky dog! Thanks for keeping up the blog, it brings much enjoyment.
.-= Nichole´s last blog ..Projects =-.
Happy 3rd Blog Birthday! I would love a piece of that yummy cake. I started reading your blog about a year ago and look forward to every post. Thanks for bringing such beautiful and sometimes funny and weird homes to my computer. Keep up the wonderful work.
Congrats and keep up the great work! My house obsession lead me to my job as a Realtor- I love show other people’s homes every day
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Looking for some help =-.
Happy 3rd Birthday! And many more…your blog is my favorite. I now realize why I got my Interior Design degree. I’m obsessed with homes! Nice to have friends with the same obsession!!!!
I LOVE your blog!! I just discovered it a couple months ago, and I am totally hooked. It’s great to know there are others out there who are obsessed with houses too!!
Happy third birthday to you!!! As a newer (less than 6 months) reader, I would love to see you re-visit some of those older posts, perhaps adding current comments to them. It’s always cool to see how your perspective has (or hasn’t!) changed!
.-= Tara @ Tara Being Tara´s last blog ..Belles Flower Girl Shirt =-.
Happy Blogaversary..what would I do with out you? Certainly my day would be much less interesting!
I joined you after your blog about these two book, now I want them and I need to go back and read your blog. I can only imagine the hours you put into this blog, and I want to let you know….I say, THANK YOU!!
You are a part of my every day routine, a cup of coffee and Julia!
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Four Weddings And A =-.
Yours was one of the first blogs I found, and I remember being thrilled that other people get such a kick out of houses too. Thanks for all the great posts… happy birthday!
.-= The English Organizer´s last blog ..Guest Bloggers Invited =-.
I just recently found your blog! I love it, happy birthday to your blog!
Thanks for keeping it up, you always find such great houses!
.-= Andrea´s last blog ..Simplify =-.
I love your blog! I come here almost daily and always enjoy your posts. I had no idea you were inspired by a book on house lust. I so have that disease. Thank you for providing the rest of us with an outlet for our obsession!
I had no idea that’s how you got started. What a fun story!!! And now I need to check out the Not So Big House (seeing as how I live in a shoebox – ha!).
.-= the BLAH BLAH BLAHger´s last blog ..HOSPITALITY =-.
Love your blog…and all because of that book! Who knew? Well, now we all do…thanks so much for sharing this…so fun!
.-= The Zhush´s last blog ..Style Stalking- Brett Design- Inc =-.
wow! happy 3 year blogiversary!
.-= the cape on the corner´s last blog ..Hey- man- whats your sign =-.
Happy 3rd Blogiversary! I’m so glad you do what you do – thank you! It’s nice to have a community to help make me feel as though I’m not alone in my craziness over houses. All the best!
Thank you so much for this blog! I’m so glad that you enjoy doing it and are able to keep up with it for all of us. My favorite type of house is big and old. As a matter of fact every time my husband and I drive by a big old house I always say, “oh I wish I could get in there and look around!” I’ve said this to him so much that he has had nightmares about the two of us breaking into houses in the middle of the night so I can look at them! Anyways, since I found your blog and “my people” its taken some of the burden off of him listening to me go on and on about houses. You’re terrific, and I’m so glad you’re here!
.-= PJ´s last blog ..2011 Goals Part 2 =-.
i don’t always comment (sorry) but, i always always read! love your blog. keep up the great work! i didn’t know how much i loved houses until i came accross your blog. now i’m obsessed!
.-= mccall´s last blog ..a blogging pep talk =-.
Hello,
Happy 3rd anniversary! Congratulations! Your blog is wonderful and I stop by everyday. I always look forward to your posts. Thank you for doing it. Love checking out houses. Also you were the first to post on my blog and thank you for that.
Happy blogging!
Claudia
Happy, happy Blogiversary, Julia!!!!!! Honestly, I don’t know what I would do if I received 100 emails a day -disappear under the pile, haha.
.-= Maya @ Completely Coastal´s last blog ..A Key Wall Rack -Color it Beautiful! =-.
I, too, have House Lust and was so happy when I discovered your blog last year. I love visiting and thank you for your fun, informative, and inspirational posts!
Still loving your blog!
Oh, they featured the Godfather house that’s for sale on the Today show this morning-they didn’t show the inside though.
I missed that!
Comments will keep you going? I should leave more then! You’re blog is great fun and many of us enjoy it to pieces even when we don’t comment. So thank you, on behalf of many anonymous smiles.
Happy anniversary! I found you a couple years ago when I was wanting to redecorate my living room and was trying to find photos of the interior of the Father of the Bride house for inspiration. I was immediately Hooked on Hooked on Houses! Congratulations on your success, it is well-deserved.
I read the House Lust book when you mentioned it as your inspiration in an earlier post. Didn’t he kind of poke fun at The Not So Big House movement in his book? Maybe I’m remembering something else I read.
Did he? I don’t remember that. I do remember he has a chapter where he takes her to look at a McMansion with him and get her thoughts on it (which is why I mentioned her when I interviewed him). I’ll have to read it again now–my memory of the details are fuzzy after 3 years!
Yay! I love this blog! It’s the first blog (of someone that I don’t know in real life) that I started to read, and has led me to many others, all of which inspire me in my home-making. And you’re right, there is a sense of community here, which you don’t think could be possible, but somehow, it is! Thanks for all the hard work!
.-= Cori @WhereYouHangYourHeart.com´s last blog ..Color Can Be Oppressive =-.
Thanks so much for all of your hard work. I can imagine that it is hard work. Please keep it up!!! I check you’re blog first thing every morning. I get soooo excited for monday’s when you post a movie house! Like you, I’m obsessed with houses and spend way too much mental energy decorating and re-decorating. Thanks again:)
My husband would like to thank you personally because I have nearly stopped buying decorating magazines because of your blog. I, too, am a house junkie, a voyeur of sorts (definitely, who am I trying to kid). You’ve saved us a fortune. You should charge…but don’t charge me!! THANKS from the bottom of our bank account. I LOVE YOUR BLOG
Ha! Love it. Tell him he’s welcome!
Happy anniversary! I enjoy your blog and consider it one of my must-reads. I had no idea that you had a post with Sarah Susanka (whose theories have been my mantra for living in our home), so I’m eager to go back and click that link.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..They do exist- they really do! =-.
Happy 3rd blogging anniversary! I really enjoy reading your blog posts….your posts are always lots of fun! I’m going to have to find that interview with Sarah Susanka!
I linked to that interview in the post–just scroll back up and you’ll see it!
Add me to the list of house lovers! AND to the list of those who really enjoy your posts. Reading it satisfies a part of me that needs to see HOUSES! Is it crazy, or what? Thank you for your time, passion and energy…I know it takes all three.
Your blog is a MUST READ for me everday! Thank you so much for continuing to do, what you do!
Happy 3rd Blog Birthday !!!!
.-= ali´s last blog ..Is it only me =-.
Happy blogiversary, Julia! Checking in here has become a daily ritual since I found your blog last year – I was so glad to discover I wasn’t the only house nut out there!
After starting my own blog, I can really appreciate how much time and effort you put in here – Hooked on Houses is truly in a league of its own in terms of professionalism and community. Well done. Here’s to many more anniversaries – and houses!
.-= Cheri@IHeartOldHouses´s last blog ..Pink Porcelain =-.
happy day to your blog! and you. i quietly check in with your regularly and your posts always put a smile on my face. i can’t tell you how many times i have forwarded some of your bad mls photo posts to my former realtor. you have such a fun spot in blogland! thanks!!
.-= Stacy ´s last blog ..mixing it up =-.
Happy 3rd Birthday! I love coming here every day to see what you’ve found. I especially love the movie houses – there are so many movies I watch just for the sets! I don’t always comment, but I’m here every day, I promise!
Thanks for putting this blog together for all us crazy house-lovers!
I think this is my first comment, but want to say Thank You for all of your hard work!! I love your blog and often send links to friends. I, too, thought I was all alone in my desire to look at houses. Now I’m not just limited to local open houses!
Oh my gosh! It never occurred to me that I needed to comment to keep this going!
I love your blog and I guess I never thought that people weren’t obsessed with houses. If I could, I would move into a new or different house every year. (I’ve lived in mine for 23 years!) Keep this going. It’s what keeps me going!
Julia,
Happy 3rd blog anniversary! I can’t thank you enough for this blog. To know that there are people out there who share the same passion as me, makes me so happy. I mean no one in my family feels the same way as I do about houses.
A couple years ago, I found your blog while searching for the “Step Mom” house. Ever since then, I have been hooked. I love coming here, it is my favorite blog. I will never stop coming here.
Thank you for your hard work in keeping up this blog. I don’t know what I would do without it.
Happy third blogbirthday! Yours is one of my favorites and my day wouldn’t be as nice without this blog.
.-= Amanda- Hip House Girl´s last blog ..A rug for Blanche =-.
Congrats on three years!!! Thank you for for all your posts and wonderful photos.
Happy anniversary Julia. I love your blog, thanks for writing it. I’m house obsessed, too. I don’t know how it happened but since I was a teen I’ve been fascinated by houses, architecture, interior design and landscape design, basically, anything that has to do with houses, well except cleaning them. That one never caught on with me!
Happy Blogging anniversary! I had no idea how much work blogging could be, either. I just experienced a jump from teeny-teeny tiny blog to starting-to-grow blog, and OHMYWORD, the emails, comments…(which are great!) and the maintenance work to keep it looking like I want it to (not so great)! *faint!* I feel like that woman slumped over the computer lately, lol.
Off to read those interviews now…
.-= Handy Man, Crafty Woman´s last blog ..Boy Card for a Baby Shower =-.
Happy Blogiversary! Here’s to many more years and many more houses!
.-= Mom in High Heels´s last blog ..Coolest antique photo editing site ever =-.
I love your blog. I have always loved homes. I can remember as a little girl loving to look at homes…and so enjoyed the few times my parents took us kids to look at homes for sale too. I love homes that are taken good care of through the years. I’m so glad you started your blog and hope that you will continue for years to come.
.-= Teacup Lane´s last blog ..One Down And One To Go =-.
Happy 3rd blog anniversary/birthday Julia! Thank you for all your tireless hard work as your site is truly a treasure. I’ve always been interested in houses, especially those seen on TV and in films, and your site has increased that interest and love tenfold. You’ve created a wonderful database and a wealth of information, I love that when I see a house on TV that I love and want to learn more about, you already have it! You created a fantastic site, and a terrific community that I enjoy being a part of. Thank you!
I’ll have a piece of cake please! My blog is not yet a year old, so I’m still learning lot and making new discoveries everyday. One of which is you! I only discovered your blog in the past few months and it is now right there on my sidebar as a favorite! Congradulations and keep up the great work!
Best,
Susan
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Artisan Bread 101 =-.
Happy anniversary!I hope you continue on forever. Your blog is a constant source of enjoyment.
Jane
Oh no…the blog just ate my comment! Trying again…
I’ve been following you from the start and you made me want to blog. So I did…and then failed miserably the last several months, lol. But I’m diving back into the Olympic-sized, negative-edged, solar-heated pool (that’s real estate speak…just for you) that is the blogosphere. Congratulations on where your bloggy journey has taken you…I look forward to sharing in more adventures!
Congratulations on three year blogging! I look forward to your posts and refer to your site more than once a day when I’m in the house dreaming mode. My husband and I love looking at houses and will pile up the kids into the van and drive around just to look. More practical now that we’re house hunting.
The girls hate it, BTW.
Here’s the perfect cake for you (I promise the link is safe): http://www.flickr.com/photos/spotzle/5370498403/ I saw it yesterday in a coffee shop.
Spring
.-= Spring´s last blog ..Front Door Mania =-.
Julia, I have a bunch of blogs that I love to check on every day. YOURS is usually the first place I go. You never fail to be interesting, you have great features like ‘movie houses’; and most refreshingly, to me, is that you aren’t featuring a truckload of your DIY projects with details out the wazoo about how to beadboard an entire home (or something). You understand that we don’t all share an enthusiasm for one type of home or decor, and so you aren’t showcasing only what you like. You have across-the-board appeal; you find the most intriguing houses to share with us; and your attention to ferreting out details is amazing!
We love this blog! Happy Anniversary and many more!
We always loved the talking and writing about houses before but we really love your blog. We are proud of your great writing, interesting houses and fun comments. You have the best commentators in all blogdom.
Happy blog-o-versary! I have really enjoyed reading along and appreciate all the hard work you put into it! Thanks!
Happy 3rd Blog Birthday, Julia!!
You are a blogger who I admire and look up to because not only do you consistently publish great material, but you really put your money where your mouth is and you nurture your community. I can’t tell you how it makes my day to see when you stop by my blog or even just reply to a comment. It’s like hearing from a celebrity. 
I appreciate the fact that you do your best to keep up with your readers.
I think you’ll have plenty to blog about…there’s always going to be something to chat about.
.-= Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..Simple Valentines Hugs and Kisses Bucket =-.
Thank you for the time you put into this! It’s been fun to follow you. My house obsession is all thanks to my mom, who also likes your blog. There’s a lot of us out here!
.-= Lindsay´s last blog ..Wednesday endorphins =-.
I do!! I love cake!!
I also love a birthday, and I also love your blog! Congrats on your success and thank you for the fun I get reading you and following you on Facebook!
Happy 3rd Blogday! I have been following for about a year and I am hooked on Hooked on Houses. Thanks for all of your hard work.
Happy Blog Birthday! I’m kind of a latecomer to your blog. Discovered it just a few months ago while looking for pictures of the cottage in The Holiday. It was so wonderful to discover that there are other obsessed people out there that love to look at homes! Thank you for all your wonderful work! As you can see, there are tons of us who appreciate it!
.-= Mel Mel´s last blog ..New Year =-.
I check your site every day and have sent folks to you…….always interesting…..thanks for all the hard work……blessings…..
Happy Blog Birthday!
You inspire me.
Happy Blog birthday, and yes it is great to find likeminded souls here as I too, am always looking at houses – real estate listings, and am now property investing, just so I can keep looking at houses
julie
I have been reading your blog for quite awhile now but have never left a comment! I,too, am a lover of houses. Love to just look, get decorating ideas and just dream. Thanks for all the effort you put into this blog.
Congratulations! And thank you so much for this blog – I absolutely love it! And what could be more important than studying our homes? You’re a modern anthropologist!
PS: I just tweeted your anniversary (@Anelia232)
PPS: I love Susanka’s book – her ideas are so sensible and stylish.
.-= ONEWEIRDWORD´s last blog ..My new most favourite ad =-.
Happy blog anniversary, Julia!!!!! You do an amazing job here–always a good read. From one house lover to another, long live Hooked on Houses! (and, yea, I get to say I knew you when!)
Dear Julia’s Blog:
Happy Third Birthday! I love that you reflect Julia’s great sense of humor, passion for houses and design, and warm, generous spirit. Please keep up the good work! I, in return, will keep reading you faithfully and commenting as much as I can.
Sincerely,
Courtney
.-= Courtney @ nesting instincts´s last blog ..swan song =-.
Happy 3 Years!!!! I love your blog. I’m so glad you decided to start it 3 years ago.
Congratulations! What an achievement. I have only been following you for a year or so so I missed your initial posts. I will be checking that book out though. I’m hoping it is still in print. I have a been a house lover for years and feel kind of bad that I have more pictures of my house and our decorating updates and remodeling projects than I do my kids. Yikes. I guess I take better pictures of things that stand still for me.
No need to even think of responding to me. I just like to know that you were hopefully able to read the praise I am sending your way.
Hugs and congrats,
Pam @ BeColorful
.-= pam @ becolorful´s last blog ..BeColorful Color of the Week- Spring Green =-.
Congratulations on 3 years. Love you blog. Love it!
.-= Jeanette´s last blog ..Day 3 Almost Home =-.
Happy Blog Birthday! I love your blog and am always excited to see something new! I usually end up showing posts to my husband as well, and there’s not too much that we have in common on the internetz (he usually only reads sports, but houses are our common obsession!). Thanks for all your time and effort, we LOVE it!
i’m glad you made this post….it reminded me of one of my new years’ resolves.
there are so many great blogs that i look forward to reading …instead of just enjoying their work and moving on, i told myself that i would leave comments to let them know how much i appreciate blog authors sharing their ideas, inspirations and creativity.
so, THANK YOU julia for the all of the hours and brain power you spend everyday on hooked on houses!!! it is one of the great pleasures in my day to wake up in the morning, pour my coke on ice, power up the computer and open up your blog. it’s always fun, often really funny (the yes over the bed killed me!) and choke full of beautiful images that inspire me.
happy blog-aversary!
nanne in columbus, indiana
p.s. i so did not spell or grammar check that post….sorry!
Well I can honestly say that your blog is one of my very favorites. You do such a great job Julia. I probably have never said that. I know it’s work, but I’m personally so glad you do it. You’re my house fix for the day. So cool how you got started. I think maybe you need an assistant;) Happy 3 year anniversary. Here’s to hopefully many more!!
.-= Becky @ Farmgirl Paints´s last blog ..The Thrive Project =-.
HaPpY AnNiVeRsArY! I have only been reading you for about the past year – I feel like I have missed so much! lol Best wishes and keep up the great/amazing/appreciated work! And thanks for the book reference, I will be picking that one up soon
With sincere thanks and gratitude…
-Melissa
Your blog was my first introduction to house blogs, design blogs, whatever. Since then I have significantly expanded my reading, but I still come back to this blog more consistently than any other…..keep it up!! (I love those books also)
Happy blogaversary! I found your blog just around the time you gave “House Lust” away and was totally hooked immediately. And I ran out and bought the book too. Your blog is awesome Julia. Congratulations.
Happy #3!!!! I am so glad I found this site– it’s good to know there are other house-obsessed people out there and I’m not alone!!!! Truly have enjoyed everything I’ve seen and read, keep up the good work!!!
Happy Blog Birthday love your blog….thanks for sharing…Pat H
Happy 3rd anniversary! Yours is the first blog I read every day, okay several times a day. : ) I have my mom hooked on you too. So many times we’ve filled our inboxes with excited comments about your great posts. I have since read the book, because of your suggestion, Funny Farm. I will now head to Amazon and get the two books above. I can because it’s my bday Monday and I think this house obsessed person needs some new reads. : ) Have a wonderful weekend! I hope you are eating cake on your fabulous sun room!
Three years? Congratulations, Julia! I remember talking one day after Jacob’s piano lessons how you were writing online. Little did I know at that point that I would be blogging someday too. I feel honored to know a professional blogger personally! Keep up the amazing work! (Oh, and happy snow day, too!)
.-= Kristen @ JoyfullyThriving´s last blog ..Earning Money When Shopping Online =-.
cake? cake? count me in.. Congratulations on your 3rd anniversary… I read you everyday even though I do not always comment. hugs
I have literally spent thousands of hours over the years absorbed in house books and house plan books. I love the library!!! Oftentimes, I just feel like I’m wasting my time — but I just can’t help it!! Nice to know I’m not alone. I was tickled when I found Hooked on Houses. Thank you and congratulations on your three-year mark!!
Congrats! That cake is so fun! I would have a hard time cutting into it. Love to get my house fix here!
Happy Blog Anniversary! I love your blog. I love my own house, but that doesn’t stop me from having house lust. Everywhere I go, I am checking out houses! Thanks so much for sharing your house lust with us!
If you’re hiring, pick me! I’d love to work on this blog. It is such a fun one to read!
I want to thank you for your hard work. I used to go by houses and wonder what they were like inside and with your blog I can actually do that. your blog has given me hours of enjoyment and I have got my daughter hooked on it also. I also loved the christmas decoration party, thanks again and Happy 3rd blog day.
You’re 3 ! Happy happy anniversary! I loved this post, it’s so nice to hear we ‘suffer’ from the same ailments! I will miss you at Blissdom (still might have to skip this year, but trying to still go). Congrats to your success, no one deserves it more for your amazing content and all the hard work you put into it. You know I’m a fan for life!
xo
Kate
Julia a huge congratulations and I love the background, I did not know!! it is so amazing what can happen in blogland.
Second I understand where you are coming from. Some days I don’t know how I can possibly keep up either…working full time paying my dues, creating art, my blog and 1st of all my family!!
You continue to be a huge inspiration!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
.-= Karena´s last blog ..230 Designer Necklace Jewelry Giveaway by Blydesign =-.
Happy Blogiversary!!! I love this blog so much, and have often wondered how much work goes into it. Your work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated here!Love it love it love it!
.-= Jill´s last blog ..New Year Wishes =-.
I am sooo happy to know that someone is as crazy about houses as my husband and me. We are so preoccupied with looking at houses… for fun, for real, for ideas, etc. In fact, I believe I am on the “do not show” list for my city’s realtors. Love the book plugs… we also have those books!! Plus a whole bunch of others along the “Bungalow” line. I am a fairly new follower, please keep writing!
.-= melissat.´s last blog ..art at home =-.
Aww congratulations, Julia! And Happy Birthday to your blog! You were one of the first blogs I discovered – at this point I don’t even remember how I found your blog! – and Hooked on Houses is still usually the first blog I check every day. I love your blog because it feels real. You are honest when you evaluate design/decor and never support something just because its “trendy”…you always give us your honest opinion, and I love that. Hopefully this blog never turns into something stressful or not-fun for you, because I know you brighten so many other people’s days! (Including mine.) : )
.-= Kate (Little Beach Bum)´s last blog ..Quote of the Day =-.
Well said. I agree. Happy Birthday, and many more!
I want a piece of cake. Congratulations on year three!
I love hearing what inspires other bloggers. Thanks for sharing and for all of the hard work you do to bring such interesting posts our way.
.-= Becky K.´s last blog ..A Very Busy Day Ahead =-.
Hi Julia,
What do you think of Rachel Ashwell designed homes? I would love to know your thoughts.
Kind regards,
Megan.
Happy Blog Birthday – I’m sure everyone will agree with me we love checking our computers everyday and there you are with your sense of humour your great taste in decor and sharing your home and family with us we thank so very much. As for me I sit in front of the computer thinking just for a few moments and about 2 hours later I’m still Hooked on Houses thanks Julia . Regards Esther from Sydney. Did someone mention cake……
Julia,
The reason this blog is so successful is because you started it on my birthday! Yes, today is my birthday. But really, it is a success because you have given all of us who were just like you something to bring us all together. I wish *I* would have thought of this!! I have lusted after houses since I was a kid growing up around my dad’s house plans, as he was a general contractor. Still, to this day, I want to live in an area of Anderson, which I think you know-Edgewood, which to me was my dream all those years ago. A more charming place is hard to find, with its brick walls encompassing the neighborhood and curved, shady streets with little parks around every corner.
congratulations on your three years of successful blogging
. so long as you love houses, people will love your blog <3 x
Keep up the good work. Now, gimme some of that cake!
If you ever seriously think of ending your glorious blog, then please consider making your daily blogs smaller or some days just providing links. I have lost two of my favorite blogs — I’m still getting over it. One day they were gone, cold turkey! It really, really hurt. I love your blog. I would suffer a serious loss. You are doing a wonderful service for so many people in these crazy, political times.
Happy Blogiversary! Keep up the hard work–your blog is my weekend indulgence! I like to click on every link and read the articles and dig though your archives. And because of your blog, I watched Mr. Blandings Builds a Dream House–it was on tv a couple of weeks ago and since I read about it on your blog, I had to watch it.
.-= Karrie´s last blog ..Merry Christmas! =-.
If I got just one person to watch a great old Cary Grant movie like “Mr. Blandings,” then I feel like all of my work has been worthwhile.
Julia,
I’m sorry I’m late to say “Happy Birthday” to your beautiful blog, but I just want you to know that I feel really happy for knowing you and this inspiring place. It’s much more than a place you come to see houses… you come here every day to have fun too.
As you know, I also have a blog, but before that I used to come here and read your posts. The day I found your blog I called my husband to tell him I found the coolest site about movies ever! He came, sat with me and we spent a long time looking at the pictures.
I know that sometimes it’s not easy having a blog that you really care… it’s easy to have a blog for “hobby”, but if you really want to see it grow and make the best of it, you do need to work hard for it. I have countless nights that I’m working until 4 am searching and doing posts, because I want to do it well, because I care what I’m posting. So, yes… some days we ask ourselves… should I continue? And then we read a nice comment, we see our readers coming back, we see more and more reader coming.. and you find “YOUR PEOPLE”… and you realize that you’re not doing this alone anymore… you’re a community of people with the same interest. This keeps pushing me to continue doing by best on my blog. And I know you have that same passion and that’s what keeps me bringing to your blog.
I truly respect your work here and love your blog and I will always be grateful for being the first person that send me a link and lots of people to see my blog. By then, I had almost no readers and you gave me the “push”. Thank you and congratulations!
You deserve all the LOVE you get from your readers! You really do!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Happy birthday, Hooked on Houses! Keep up the great work, Julia!
Happy Anniversary! It’s hard to believe that I’ve been reading for three years! I always love your posts and it’s hard to believe that you work while on vacation. I have a lot of respect for bloggers who put out 5 or more posts a week. I hope you enjoy what you do and keep up the good work
.-= Amy Button´s last blog ..Is It Possible =-.
Happy Blogiversary! Not only do I love the fact that you let us stalk houses legally, but you also occasionally take me down memory lane with your posts about Cincy. And you love beach cottages, which is always a plus in my book!
.-= Kate´s last blog ..MidwestMediocre- Favorite female DIYers @-anawhite @StuccoHouse @kitliz @hereatthehouse @thisdmnhouse FF =-.
Congrats on your 3rd anniversary…which means mine is coming up in March, although I am nowhere near as prolific as you are! I get pretty fickle about my blog reading but HoH has always been a favorite. You find the best houses and allow me to live vicariously!
.-= Robin´s last blog ..Slip slidin’ away =-.
Happy Anniversary Hooked!! Glad I found a “fix” for my house obsession here. I’ll have to look into the Lust book, it sounds like I would enjoy it. Have you read Bunny Williams’ Affair with a House? That was a really great one too about how a house just “speaks” to you and you are powerless to resist.
Happy Blog Birthday!
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Julia, your blog is one of my favorite things in my day and I have turned lots of my circle on to you who enjoy it as well! I particularly love Movie Monday, but every post is appreciated and adds to my house love. I appreciated hearing how you got going on it and was inspired with the stories of how we are supported when we are doing something that stirs our soul. I know it is tons of work to produce and you alrady have a full life outside of H on H. Even if the posts need to be less frequent I believe the blog would be as successful because you do it with such heart and professionalism. Congratulations on 3 years!
Jan from Vancouver
Happy Bloggie-Birthday!
I may not post daily, but you are a weekday fix before I run to work.
Thanks for keeping up the conversation.
.-= Holley´s last blog ..Good Heavens! =-.
Thanks for taking time out of your busy ‘blogging’ life to look at houses with me. It really meant a lot to me. Happry third anniversary! Andrea
Love your blog!!! Good taste transcends hemispheres..I’m in Australia!! Keep up the wonderful work… your blog is a joy to peruse!!
Faye (from Australia!!)
Happy anniversary and thank you for all of the hard work you put into this blog!
.-= Amy from China Shepherdess´s last blog ..Wallpaper Whenever- Stars- Theyre Just Like Us! =-.
I’m a little late here, but wanted to say Congrats. We’re definitely kindred spirits – I, too, am obsessed with houses as my family and close friends can attest. I also read “House Lust” when it came out and wrote the author and was surprised when he emailed me back. Didn’t think of writing a blog, tho’. LOL You cover the territory well. I still look at real estate listings to fuel my obsession and come across some hilarious MLS photos, and I wonder whether to send them to you. But then, that could take over a blog and misses the point of what we really like to see — drool worthy houses that make us think ‘if only. . .’ Personally, I prefer the enchanted cottages best (with their gardens). The huge estates are just too much most of the time. My favorites are “The Holiday” English cottage and that garden tour of the adorable English style cottage that you couldn’t photograph inside (sorry don’t know the exact post). I’m still wistful about that one. . .
I so love your blog! Thank you so much for the work you do. I sincerely love Susanka’s work, too — it confirmed and clarified so much for me. So now I have to go check out the House Lust book. Thanks again!
Happy anniversary Julia! I’m so happy you decided to start your blog, it’s my favorite one! Thank you so much for all you do!!
I usually catch u with your blog over the weekends. It sounds like a full-time job! But I am so glad you do it.
Happy Anniversary and THANK YOU!
This blog changed my life. It was so comforting to know there were people out there who love looking at real estate as much as I do! I love your blog and all the photos, my inspiration files are bulging – I can’t thank you enough!
Additional: I just wanted to add that I also LUFF the really bad realestate photos you include, some of them have made me laugh VERY hard!!!!!
Obviously, I’m slightly behind, but no less sincere when I offer up CHEERS to you and your blog. As I’ve stated once before, this is a happy, pleasant blog to visit.
Your sacrifices and efforts are appreciated, Julia!
Julia, we are so glad you picked that book up! There are so many of us “house lust” folks out here and we are definitely Hooked on your blog!
Happy #3!
Susan
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Pottery Barn Bedford Home Office Renovation- Welcome to the 105th Metamorphosis Monday! =-.
Congratulations on your anniversary/birthday! That is an awesome milestone!
Your hard work and dedication shows and it’s a fun blog to read.
In fact, you inspired me to start my own blog on a different topic.
Congrats on 3 years! Thanks for providing a place for all of us to get our ‘house fix’!
.-= Melanie {The Tiny Tudor}´s last blog ..Valentines Mantle =-.
Hi Julia. Congrats on your anniversary. I found you by chasing my spin-off of “house lust”, which is movie house or movie set lust. I love movie and TV homes ,so thank you so much for your hard work on this blog, I love it! I must say, though, I am 49 and not very computer savvy. You don’t really need to answer me, but I don’t understand how and if you make money. I guess you must to put so much time into it. Anyway, you are the best! Many blessings to you and your family.
Congratulation!!… keep on posting very informative blog. I also do love
houses searching on the net different style and decorations..
I loved reading the story about your blog journey, and I am so glad you kept with it, I couldn’t live without your blog! I love your writing and all of the entertaining house posts, I also think through reading your blog I feel in love more with my own house
Happy 3rd Blog Birthday, we will see you for many more I hope!
.-= Carla´s last blog ..A Peek Inside Rachel Ashwells Shabby Chic Store in Soho =-.
Keep up the good work!! Congratulations! My blog wants to be as popular as yours when it grows up!
Julia you are truly an inspiration and it’s a blessing to have found your blog! You have been such a wonderful encourager and I will always be thankful for that! You were my first “blog friend”! Much love, Desiree
.-= Desiree @ chic coastal living´s last blog ..My 40th Birthday Party The Best Is Yet To Come =-.
Well, I was so happy to find your blog! I was getting tired of my husband telling me that our neighbors were going to call the cops on me for being a peeping tom. I love the fact that I can watch a movie and come to your blog and find the house I was coveting in the movie (I’m so glad to find out I’m not the only person who rents a movie just to stalk the real estate!!!). If you don’t have the house blogged, I just send you a message and usually within a month you are blogging about it. Thank you for helping me with my house stalking problem. Maybe now I won’t have to go into treatment!!!
Happy 3rd Birthday! I’ve been hooked on your blog ever since I found it. It’s been great to know other like minded souls out there-I loved looking at house plans as a child and even had a brief stint as an architecture student:) I also adore the ‘Not so Big House’-will have to go back and read that post. Keep up the great work!
This post almost made me cry. I love houses too, almost to the point that I fear I may never be able to buy because it may be too hard to commit to just one. I am in the process of ordering House Lust, Sarah Susanka is one of my heroes, and I would go open house cruising over shopping any day! I am so glad you started this blog because I finally found someone just like me too! Happy Happy Birthday!
Hi!
I guess I became hooked on houses as a child. Usually parents say: let’s have a walk to see animals/a castle/the sea… Well, not mine: every weekend it was “let’s go see the new house being built two streets from here” or “let’s go see the houses we will never afford”… That’s how it began… I began collecting screencaps of Elena’s house on The Vampire Diaries. It’s a long process… So if you need some for a post, just ask me, I’ll be glad to help!
I just found your blog today when I googled, “What do you get for being on House Hunters?” I’ve been reading it straight since about 3 p.m. and really need to get some real stuff done around here because we are putting our house on the market this week. BUT I had to tell you – The Not So Big House is one of my favorites, and I have it on our coffee table. Today I sent my mom a picture of my son and husband on the couch and she said, “You might want to make sure ‘The Not So Big House’ is not on top of the coffee table when you put the house on the market.” Ha.
Great blog. Can’t wait to keep reading!
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