Flip Or Flop - General Discussion

[doodlebug]

1 hour ago, spankydoll said:

Cubbies are silly. I have a three tiered metal shek in my shower. A cubby wouldn't even hold my hair products. 

The tiny  cut-outs are dumb, they barely hold a bar of soap.  When I remodeled my bathroom, the designed gave me several niches, including a couple tall enough to hold shampoo and/or body wash.   I expect it costs more to do which is why T&C don't do it; so their buyers must have to put in extra shelving/hanging racks, whatever, to hold their stuff.

[SpyBunny]

2 hours ago, doodlebug said:

The tiny  cut-outs are dumb, they barely hold a bar of soap.  When I remodeled my bathroom, the designed gave me several niches, including a couple tall enough to hold shampoo and/or body wash.   I expect it costs more to do which is why T&C don't do it; so their buyers must have to put in extra shelving/hanging racks, whatever, to hold their stuff.

I don't understand how they can install these soap niches in exterior walls. Frequently, we see these niches installed under a window in the shower, so we know these are exterior walls.  I've always read that niches should only be installed in interior walls, because insulation in the exterior wall obviously has a higher priority.  Don't these houses that T & C fix up have insulation, or is insulation not required in southern CA? I would think you would want to keep the air conditioning contained in the house, even if heating is not a huge issue.

[iMonrey]

They can create the niches by building outward - the tile facade is a few inches away from the wall. They had to do that anyway with my shower stall because the prefabricated floor tray was about an inch or two shy of the overall length of the stall so the tile had to come inward about 2 inches.

[Zoe]

On 1/2/2017 at 1:25 PM, SpyBunny said:

I don't understand how they can install these soap niches in exterior walls. Frequently, we see these niches installed under a window in the shower, so we know these are exterior walls.  I've always read that niches should only be installed in interior walls, because insulation in the exterior wall obviously has a higher priority.  Don't these houses that T & C fix up have insulation, or is insulation not required in southern CA? I would think you would want to keep the air conditioning contained in the house, even if heating is not a huge issue.

I don't have a picture with the insulation already blown in, but we're having two niches in our shower:
http://i.imgur.com/jv6YViM.jpg

The insulation went around it.

[txvoodoo]

Watching tonight's new episode because I'm bored and 1) wtf, that dark paint on the builtins?

And 2) that bathroom tile on the floor - it's neither modern nor classic. Pinwheel is not on trend anywhere.

[mojito]

Christina seems to get an idea in her head and then translates that into being "what buyers are looking for in a house like this". Kinda like when you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail. I'm sure she wouldn't agree. I didn't like the exterior paint job, one side being dark gray, the other white. It seemed...off. I do like the trend towards the bright yellow, turquoise, purple front doors, though. Once again, this episode seemed to be from the reject pile. The last few homes were in more modest neighborhoods. This was a cute house. The back yard was practically non existent. 

Tarek's always throwing his head back in frustration, but then always goes along with the idea that frustrated him. I guess this schtick plus the "surprise" need for new plumbing, roof, and wiring is wearing thin.

[Broderbits]

How do people get away with unpermitted additions? It's not like these places are isolated out in the countryside, the houses are practically on top of each other; and, in my experience, every neighborhood has at least one person willing to call the city about this kind of stuff. Plus, they were buying from a bank; wouldn't the bank have records with copies of permits and be required to reveal something as serious as this? Reminds me of Love It or List It 1 & 2, and the million-dollar houses with multiple code violations or outdated systems. 

I did love the bathroom tile pattern, and painting the built-ins didn't bother me since they weren't covering up original wood. 

[Zoe]

I actually really liked the built-in and the butcher block counter tops.  They were both pretty different from what they usually do.

I don't know if the recent news has introduced confirmation bias or something, but both of them seemed pretty snippy in this episode.

[Honey]

I was curious about those shirts that Trek and Pete always wear, with the lower case "m" logo.  They're Travis Mathew and pretty pricey at $90 a piece, and Tarek has tons of them.

https://www.travismathew.com/

[psychoticstate]

What a surprise - - T&C renovated a house in gray and white!  Said no one ever.

While I will grant that the house looked good, I'm tired of everything being gray and white and I'm over the "surprise" of "unexpected" expenses.  I'm sure T&C knew that addition was not permitted when they bought the house.  Just as I'm sure everyone knew the initial reno estimate of $40K or so would have to be doubled.  

I don't watch the show for the "drama."  I watch because I want to see the before and after.  I don't care about the "surprises" unless they are genuinely surprises.

If Christina chose a color other than gray that would legitimately surprise me.

[dleighg]

2 hours ago, Broderbits said:

Plus, they were buying from a bank; wouldn't the bank have records with copies of permits and be required to reveal something as serious as this?

and in what universe would you make the offer before finding out whether it's permitted or not? Something that apparently took less than 24 hours to find out?

[iMonrey]

Quote

I don't know if the recent news has introduced confirmation bias or something, but both of them seemed pretty snippy in this episode.

Agreed. Another episode that should have aired back in Season 5 and yet - already, Tarek seemed totally over it. He could barely muster his usual objections to Christina's expensive design choices, you could tell he just wasn't having it anymore.

I wish for once they would do the work to bring an un-permitted addition up to code rather than tear it down. This one in particular seemed like it was in fairly good shape and would have added a lot of value to the house. They didn't make that much of a profit on this one so surely the extra time and money spent would have been worth it.

Not to mention they need to do something different. It's probably for the best if the show comes to an end because how many times can they be "surprised" the house needs a new roof or new plumbing? Let me tell you, I replaced the plumbing in my old house pipe by pipe so when I started hunting for a new(er) house, I opened every cabinet and looked at every pipe and made SURE there was no galvanized steel. And I'm not even a contractor. The roof thing and the plumbing thing makes their contractor look incompetent - why would you keep using someone who missed such obvious things? Are they idiots?

[doodlebug]

1 hour ago, iMonrey said:

Agreed. Another episode that should have aired back in Season 5 and yet - already, Tarek seemed totally over it. He could barely muster his usual objections to Christina's expensive design choices, you could tell he just wasn't having it anymore.

I wish for once they would do the work to bring an un-permitted addition up to code rather than tear it down. This one in particular seemed like it was in fairly good shape and would have added a lot of value to the house. They didn't make that much of a profit on this one so surely the extra time and money spent would have been worth it.

Not to mention they need to do something different. It's probably for the best if the show comes to an end because how many times can they be "surprised" the house needs a new roof or new plumbing? Let me tell you, I replaced the plumbing in my old house pipe by pipe so when I started hunting for a new(er) house, I opened every cabinet and looked at every pipe and made SURE there was no galvanized steel. And I'm not even a contractor. The roof thing and the plumbing thing makes their contractor look incompetent - why would you keep using someone who missed such obvious things? Are they idiots?

That's especially true the past couple years because T&C now have their own firm and serve as their own contractors.  Frank is their employee.  They wouldn't have started their own contracting business let alone hired Frank as the head contractorif it really wasn't possible to find many of these problems before making an offer.  For that matter, every episode, they act like it is of the utmost importance that they immediately submit an offer, usually before even leaving the property.  I know the Southern California real estate market can heat up, but there's no point in having the contractor meet them there before making the offer if there is nothing that they can find that will influence that decision.  This house was owned by the bank and had just dropped out of escrow, surely there was a recent inspection of the property by somebody that T&C could have accessed. All this making a cash only, 'as is' offer is apparently meant to up the drama quotient and it just makes them look foolishly impulsive.

I am also just a bit sick of the show giving us advice on home remodeling during pregnancy.  There is no reason a pregnant woman cannot paint with regular paint in a well ventilated area.  Nor is there any reason she needs to 'rest' so much that she cannot spend a couple hours doing an open house.  I am beginning to think that T&C were already coming apart at the seams at that point and Christina's pregnancy was a convenient excuse to limit their joint filming time.  And, of course, T&C are economically able for her not to have to work if she doesn't want to do so; unlike the vast majority of pregnant women.  Which is fine and a very legitimate choice on her part, so just say it; Christina isn't working right now because she'd rather not. **

** I'm an OB/GYN in real life, I don't play one on TV.

7 minutes ago, doodlebug said:

 

Edited January 6, 2017 by doodlebug

[roughing it]

Quote

I am also just a bit sick of the show giving us advice on home remodeling during pregnancy.  There is no reason a pregnant woman cannot paint with regular paint in a well ventilated area.  Nor is there any reason she needs to 'rest' so much that she cannot spend a couple hours doing an open house. 

From what I understand, the baby was conceived via IVF, and Christina was having a difficult pregnancy.  Not that IVF causes difficult pregnancies, but I thought I read that Christina was on bed rest at the advice of her doctor. ***

*** I'm not an OB/GYN, nor do I play one on TV ;)

Edited January 6, 2017 by roughing it

[doodlebug]

1 minute ago, roughing it said:

From what I understand, the baby was conceived via IVF, and Christina was having a difficult pregnancy.  Not that IVF causes difficult pregnancies, but I thought I read that Christina was on bed rest at the advice of her doctor. ***

*** I'm not an OB/GYN, nor do I play one on TV ;)

I take care of women with IVF pregnancies all the time.  No indication for bedrest due to that.  There is actually virtually no reason for any pregnant woman to be on bedrest, especially for weeks at a time and a lot of research that shows women placed on prolonged bedrest during pregnancy suffer more complications and have worse outcomes than women who aren't.  Perhaps Christina fancies herself a more delicate flower than most.  I have talked to some docs who have taken care of various celebs during pregnancy and it does appear that there are a lot of famous types who use their pregnancies as a chance to make their own rules and play up their 'sacrifices' to the hilt.

[iMonrey]

Quote

I am beginning to think that T&C were already coming apart at the seams at that point and Christina's pregnancy was a convenient excuse to limit their joint filming time. 

That's what I suggested earlier - it may also explain why we're seeing these episodes now instead of back in Season 5 when she actually had the baby. It's possible the relationship reached some sort of tipping point after the baby was born so a bunch of pre-birth episodes were put aside to serve as an additional "season" in case they broke up. I can't figure out any other reason why we're seeing all these episodes where she's still pregnant since she had the baby two seasons ago.

[Maharincess]

5 hours ago, doodlebug said:

I take care of women with IVF pregnancies all the time.  No indication for bedrest due to that.  There is actually virtually no reason for any pregnant woman to be on bedrest, especially for weeks at a time and a lot of research that shows women placed on prolonged bedrest during pregnancy suffer more complications and have worse outcomes than women who aren't.  Perhaps Christina fancies herself a more delicate flower than most.  I have talked to some docs who have taken care of various celebs during pregnancy and it does appear that there are a lot of famous types who use their pregnancies as a chance to make their own rules and play up their 'sacrifices' to the hilt.

I went into labor with my son at 5 months pregnant. If I hadn't been put on bed rest he would have been born 4 months early and  probably wouldn't be alive today.  There are plenty of good reasons for a pregnant woman to be put on bed rest. 

[txvoodoo]

15 hours ago, Zoe said:

I actually really liked the built-in and the butcher block counter tops.  They were both pretty different from what they usually do.

I don't know if the recent news has introduced confirmation bias or something, but both of them seemed pretty snippy in this episode.

I would challenge them that the butcher block they used was more $$ than stone. Then again, they probably use really thin granite. Their flip materials are so cheap, and I don't mean thrifty.

And yeah, I'm with you. We're looking at them with new eyes. 

[doodlebug]

17 hours ago, Maharincess said:

I went into labor with my son at 5 months pregnant. If I hadn't been put on bed rest he would have been born 4 months early and  probably wouldn't be alive today.  There are plenty of good reasons for a pregnant woman to be put on bed rest. 

Not the place for this discussion, except to say that Christina didn't have preterm labor and research has shown that bedrest doesn't prevent preterm labor but limiting activity (not necessarily bedrest) can play a small role in preventing preterm birth in those experiencing preterm labor.

Edited January 7, 2017 by doodlebug

[jcbrown]

On 1/6/2017 at 7:55 AM, Zoe said:

I actually really liked the built-in and the butcher block counter tops.  They were both pretty different from what they usually do.

I don't know if the recent news has introduced confirmation bias or something, but both of them seemed pretty snippy in this episode.

I liked the built-in and that surprised me.

Agreed that either they were snippier than usual or confirmation bias was in play. When he was "pretending" to chase her with the drill, I felt very uncomfortable. Likewise when they kept going on about the baby coming. I hope they pull the show after they burn off these episodes.

[Maharincess]

11 hours ago, doodlebug said:

Not the place for this discussion, except to say that Christina didn't have preterm labor and research has shown that bedrest doesn't prevent preterm labor but limiting activity (not necessarily bedrest) can play a small role in preventing preterm birth in those experiencing preterm labor.

I'm not going to get into it with you but I can guarantee that this is not true.  I think I will take the word of the many ob gyns I saw during my horrendous pregnancy and I'll believe the FACT that every time I walked except to use the bathroom, I felt contractions. Thanks for your info though. 

[topanga]

On 1/6/2017 at 10:55 AM, Zoe said:

I actually really liked the built-in and the butcher block counter tops.  They were both pretty different from what they usually do.

I don't know if the recent news has introduced confirmation bias or something, but both of them seemed pretty snippy in this episode.

The butcher-block counters and dark built-ins did look nice once they were finished. 

When they were outside talking about paint colors, Christina goes, 'I was thinking...grey and white.' Does she ever think anything else???

And yes, they did seem snippy in this episode. Or maybe I'm just biased, as you suggested. 

[7-Zark-7]

Quote

Once again, this episode seemed to be from the reject pile. The last few homes were in more modest neighborhoods. This was a cute house. The back yard was practically non existent. 

This house was in Long Beach, which is much more densely populated (and therefore more expensive per square foot) than the places they usually flip homes, like Whittier.

7 hours ago, jcbrown said:

I don't know if the recent news has introduced confirmation bias or something, but both of them seemed pretty snippy in this episode.

7 hours ago, jcbrown said:

When he was "pretending" to chase her with the drill, I felt very uncomfortable.

I was shocked by how badly they got along in this episode. Tarek seemed pissed constantly. Even his "great job Christina" (that someone must have encouraged him to say) sounded angry. They were obviously having fewer scenes together, too. I wouldn't put it past any production company to re-edit the  episode to show the cracks in their marriage just to goose ratings.

[txvoodoo]

23 hours ago, jcbrown said:

I liked the built-in and that surprised me.

Agreed that either they were snippier than usual or confirmation bias was in play. When he was "pretending" to chase her with the drill, I felt very uncomfortable. Likewise when they kept going on about the baby coming. I hope they pull the show after they burn off these episodes.

I was telling my husband about all the drama (he only learns gossip from me) and he said he wouldn't be surprised if they reboot the show with a kind of odd couple vibe: "They're divorced - can they still flip together?! Tune in and see!" Then they can be as snarky as they want as long as they keep getting viewers.

I'm watching the split level flip now with the 3 kinds of tile, concrete counters in and out, etc. I do not like the tiny glass tile, inside our outside. It's dated (already) and it looks bad on big spaces like the waterfall. A big piece like that needs something bigger - they should've used that other tile with it. The other tile is nice! Although, that really doesn't mesh with the man-made stacked stone skin on the features outside. They just don't match.  Too many patterns. They should've used the geometric black/white/gray tile everywhere. It wouldn't looked better as backsplash, too, with those counters.

I also wonder about the railings they put on those stairs - horizontal? I don't know what code is like in California, but usually you can't have horizontal rails that can be climbed (in newer code at least). They're dangerous. 

I'm also surprised that they didn't realize you'd need egress wells for a basement room.  Also, how is a basement unpermitted?? It's not an addition - it's built with the house usually. 

I'm convinced they got extra $ to do up all these backyards this year. I mean, Tarek's the guy who's never willing to spend to retile a pool if he can put in a vinyl liner. 

Still watching as I do other things. They're at the gingerbread house in Whittier. Man, that house is pure 60s kitsch and of course it feels off to them. 

I'm laughing at her saying the bathroom feels like a hospital because it's white & sterile. What will people say about all her gray houses in 15 years? :D 

[chessiegal]

Quote

I'm also surprised that they didn't realize you'd need egress wells for a basement room.  Also, how is a basement unpermitted?? It's not an addition - it's built with the house usually. 

IIRC, the basement wasn't unpermitted. It wasn't permitted to be marketed as a bedroom because it had no egress. So you can call it an extra room, just not a bedroom.

[iMonrey]

Quote

And yes, they did seem snippy in this episode. Or maybe I'm just biased, as you suggested. 

Well, one of Tarek's main gripes about the show (if TMZ is to be believed, anyway) is that he's sick of the same formula where he objects to Christina's design choices because of the cost, she argues in favor of them, he gives in, then in the end has to admit she was right. He thinks it makes him look like he has no balls. 

So when they were arguing about the tiles she wanted to use in the bathroom and he said "I'm just not going to win this one am I?" it really sounded like he was just over it. Like he couldn't even be bothered to phone it in anymore.

Again, my perception may be colored by what I've read lately but it fits.

[zoeysmom]

2 hours ago, iMonrey said:

Well, one of Tarek's main gripes about the show (if TMZ is to be believed, anyway) is that he's sick of the same formula where he objects to Christina's design choices because of the cost, she argues in favor of them, he gives in, then in the end has to admit she was right. He thinks it makes him look like he has no balls. 

So when they were arguing about the tiles she wanted to use in the bathroom and he said "I'm just not going to win this one am I?" it really sounded like he was just over it. Like he couldn't even be bothered to phone it in anymore.

Again, my perception may be colored by what I've read lately but it fits.

I agree.

It seems to be the formula for HGTV-they have been running "Master Flip" and the women is always right and she always claims the contractor husband goes over budget.  Better show, could easily replace "Flip of Flop".  

[LizDC]

Tarek filed for divorce 

http://people.com/celebrity/flip-or-flop-tarek-el-moussa-files-for-divorce-from-wife-christina/amp/

[Rabbittron]

It seems to me that they are phoning it in.

[ByaNose]

So the new shows will have them showing up at the property in separate cars? I think the formula will be gone. It didn't work for Sonny & Cher when they divorced (Yes, I'm showing my age) and tv's Rhoda show was never the same when Rhoda & Joe divorced. Again, showing my age. LOL!!! If they cut out their home life with the kids and just show the Flip part of the program it could go another season or two......maybe?!?

Edited January 10, 2017 by ByaNose

[Artsda]

Interesting he filed first. Also TMZ have the documents and he wants her to pay him spousal support but wants the judge to block her from getting any  from him.

http://www.tmz.com/2017/01/10/tarek-el-moussa-christina-divorce-flip-or-flop/

[doodlebug]

13 hours ago, LizDC said:

Tarek filed for divorce 

http://people.com/celebrity/flip-or-flop-tarek-el-moussa-files-for-divorce-from-wife-christina/amp/

No shock there, once the split became public, there was no reason not to take the next step.  I don't see how the show can possibly continue.   Look at all the speculation we're doing based on what we have learned in the past month on shows that were filmed more than a year and a half ago!  Any new shows filmed post-split will be scrutinized even more closely and the snarky dynamic between the two of them will no longer be amusing, just uncomfortable.  And that's not even considering the feelings of Taylor, who seems like a bright little kid.  She's in school now and surely doesn't need her parents' divorce on national TV for all to see and comment.

They must have some really interesting financial relationships if Tarek expects spousal support from Christina.  Is she the sole owner of their business?  Why?  It gets curiouser and curiouser...

Edited January 10, 2017 by doodlebug

[IndianPaintbrush]

1 hour ago, doodlebug said:

They must have some really interesting financial relationships if Tarek expects spousal support from Christina.  Is she the sole owner of their business?  Why?  It gets curiouser and curiouser...

I don't get that at all. Maybe Christina inherited a large sum of money, but inheritances are not usually considered marital property. I don't see a reason why he needs alimony unless he's just giving her the house and the business.

[iMonrey]

Quote

I was telling my husband about all the drama (he only learns gossip from me) and he said he wouldn't be surprised if they reboot the show with a kind of odd couple vibe: "They're divorced - can they still flip together?! Tune in and see!" Then they can be as snarky as they want as long as they keep getting viewers.

I don't really see the network going in that direction. At best, one or both might try to do a new show on their own, like "Renovation with Tarek" or "Design Choices with Christina." But I don't really think they have anything original to offer in either area. The whole premise of their show is outlined in the opening title sequence and now it's no longer true. As doodlebug noted above, the dynamic between them would be seen as awkward and uncomfortable instead of amusing banter between a happily married couple with two kids. 

[Broderbits]

5 hours ago, iMonrey said:

But I don't really think they have anything original to offer in either area. The whole premise of their show is outlined in the opening title sequence and now it's no longer true. As doodlebug noted above, the dynamic between them would be seen as awkward and uncomfortable instead of amusing banter between a happily married couple with two kids. 

Agreed! I really liked this show but wouldn't want to watch 2 people who can no longer stand each other pretend for the sake of their careers. There's already enough fake stuff on this network.

[Eeksquire]

Quote

They must have some really interesting financial relationships if Tarek expects spousal support from Christina.  Is she the sole owner of their business?  Why?  It gets curiouser and curiouser...

Purely speculation on my part, but for liability protection reasons, it wouldn't surprise me if they structured their business and personal assets to insulate one or the other from liability and everything is in her name.  (Kind of like how doctors and lawyers who own their own practices almost always keep their personal residences in their spouse's name alone in case they get sued for malpractice.)

[Artsda]

There's also a 3rd partner in their business, they own an investment company that everything else is under.

So that 3rd partner has to be part owner and may be one of the other. So it was 50-50.

[topanga]

20 hours ago, IndianPaintbrush said:

I don't get that at all. Maybe Christina inherited a large sum of money, but inheritances are not usually considered marital property. I don't see a reason why he needs alimony unless he's just giving her the house and the business.

Its seems like her parents have more money than Tarek's--both of their parents loaned them money at one point. But Christina's dad just wrote a check. Tarek's mom used the equity on her home. Maybe Christiana is a trust-fund kid? Or maybe she did get an inheritance from her grandparents? But if that's the case, I don't understand how they ended up living in his mother's garage after the housing crash. Doesn't that mean they both started from nothing at that point? Then why would either owe the other any spousal support. 

[doodlebug]

3 hours ago, topanga said:

Its seems like her parents have more money than Tarek's--both of their parents loaned them money at one point. But Christina's dad just wrote a check. Tarek's mom used the equity on her home. Maybe Christiana is a trust-fund kid? Or maybe she did get an inheritance from her grandparents? But if that's the case, I don't understand how they ended up living in his mother's garage after the housing crash. Doesn't that mean they both started from nothing at that point? Then why would either owe the other any spousal support. 

Yeah, it makes no sense.  They are both under contract to TLC, they both are employed in their flipping business.  Why would either one need spousal support?  The implication here is that one of them, Christina, makes far more money than Tarek; and, if they divorced, his standard of living would be far less than it is currently. 

Wonder if HGN is planning a new show with just Christina and cutting Tarek loose?  He certainly seems far less comfortable on-camera than she does.  And he was the one wandering the neighborhood with a gun.  Perhaps there are anger issues with him that make the network want to cut him out of future TV ventures? 

Perhaps their flipping business is heavily in debt and not nearly as profitable as their TV show/books/ endorsements and Tarek is anticipating losing all of those income streams once they divorce. 

Since it appears Christina's family is wealthier than Tarek's; perhaps they borrowed a big sum from them to start the business.  Money that will have to be paid back if the business is dissolved and Tarek knows it and is trying to plan for it by getting spousal support from Christina since he is not going to be able to pay his share back to them without more cash flow.

[iMonrey]

Quote

Wonder if HGN is planning a new show with just Christina and cutting Tarek loose?  He certainly seems far less comfortable on-camera than she does.  And he was the one wandering the neighborhood with a gun.  Perhaps there are anger issues with him that make the network want to cut him out of future TV ventures? 

Perhaps their flipping business is heavily in debt and not nearly as profitable as their TV show/books/ endorsements and Tarek is anticipating losing all of those income streams once they divorce. 

Ooh, you may be onto something. Their real life is suddenly so much more interesting than their show. Here's an idea for them - move their show over to Bravo and turn it into a reality divorce show.

[topanga]

7 minutes ago, iMonrey said:

Ooh, you may be onto something. Their real life is suddenly so much more interesting than their show. Here's an idea for them - move their show over to Bravo and turn it into a reality divorce show.

I would say that was a great idea, but thinking about their divorce makes me really sad. I probably wouldn't watch it. 

[Honey]

Too bad the name was already used.  If she has a solo show, the obvious name for it would be: 50 Shades Of Grey.

[Broderbits]

2 hours ago, Honey said:

Too bad the name was already used.  If she has a solo show, the obvious name for it would be: 50 Shades Of Grey.

I believe titles cannot be copyrighted, so it's totally up for grabs!

[Dejana]

On 1/10/2017 at 10:41 AM, Artsda said:

Interesting he filed first. Also TMZ have the documents and he wants her to pay him spousal support but wants the judge to block her from getting any  from him.

http://www.tmz.com/2017/01/10/tarek-el-moussa-christina-divorce-flip-or-flop/

I saw the piece about this on the TMZ show, and some of the staffers were wondering how Tarek could ask for spousal support from Christina when they worked together and presumably each made the same thing from the show and their business(es), but apparently she earns more on Instagram. Then, it turned into a debate about whether he needs the additional money, of course a different thing than whether he is entitled to it in a community property state.

Edited January 12, 2017 by Dejana

[MrPissyPuppy]

15 hours ago, Broderbits said:

I believe titles cannot be copyrighted, so it's totally up for grabs!

 

18 hours ago, Honey said:

Too bad the name was already used.  If she has a solo show, the obvious name for it would be: 50 Shades Of Grey.

Obsessed with Fifty Shades of Gray.   ;-)  

[IndianPaintbrush]

15 hours ago, Dejana said:

I saw the piece about this on the TMZ show, and some of the staffers were wondering how Tarek could ask for spousal support from Christina when they worked together and presumably each made the same thing from the show and their business(es), but apparently she earns more on Instagram. Then, it turned into a debate about whether he needs the additional money, of course a different thing than whether he is entitled to it in a community property state.

I don't know anything about making money from Instagram, but is it really enough to make a big difference in their net worths?  Sounds pretty fishy to me.

[azshadowwalker]

Tarek was worried about the show depicting him as having "no balls", but wants spousal support?  Interesting...

[PepperMonkey]

IMO, this show needs to end. Period.

Haven't watched a second of it since the announcement of the split, whether rerun or new show, and will continue not to watch.

And I have no interest in a design show with just her, but I also have no interest in a flipping or real estate show with just him. I liked them well enough to watch the show when I thought they were a contentedly married couple with a mostly adorable daughter. Although, now some things I thought at the time, like why is Taylor kind of mean to Tarek sometimes?... well, I'm sure she was mirroring what she was hearing at home.

Mainly, I just refuse to watch anything that's obviously just a blatant cash grab. I know HGTV has a lot of fake shows, but I don't watch those either. Always knew some of Tarek and Christina's actions vis a vis "Oh my gosh, we have to re-do the plumbing? How much will that cost??" were fake but I thought they were a couple working together to make a family and a successful business.

I'm sad for them. But their show needs to end.

[Hpmec]

I haven't read the comments here in awhile and wasn't aware of the People interview from August. So Tarek has a gag reflex that prevents him from changing diapers? What a crock. Changing dirty stinky diapers is an unavoidable part of parenthood. Neither parent should get a pass. Wonder who changed Tarek's diapers when he was small? What if his parents had begged off because of a gag reflex? Jeez, Tarek, man up. 

I agree that this show shouldn't continue, especially now that he's filed for divorce. The marriage is a flop. Viewers will be watching future episodes looking for clues to the unhappy state of their relationship. HGTV  should let it die a dignified death instead of trying to prolong the inevitable. What a mess. 

[ByaNose]

Well, I did watch the show last night and they did a pretty good job. I wasn't a fan of the dark fireplace but it was an improvement to the smaller looking one. I really liked the family off the patio. It had a barn like shape and was light an airy. The backyard was was nice with the patio pavers but the grass yard was a little small. They made a hefty profit but they also put a lot in. All in all, a good show. Of course, watching it I was looking for hints if this was before, during or after (doubt the after part) when all the trouble began. They showed them in their bedroom with Taylor folding laundry. There was a pretty black and white picture of Tarek & Christina looking happy as can be. Yup! That's getting tossed in the trash.