What’s in Those Drawers?
Good afternoon, bloggers!
Someone recently posted a fabulous suggestion. He or she wanted a “sneak peek” inside the drawers and closets of HGTV Dream Home. (I am so sorry — I don’t remember who posted the question. I couldn’t find the original query, as there are so many blog posts and questions now.) I was back at the HGTV Dream Home on Friday and took these pictures of what you will find in some of the kitchen drawers as well as one of the pantries.
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Every time I go inside the home, I notice something different and special. I hadn’t spent much time in the guest bathroom, but was so impressed by its spa-like feel during this most recent visit.
Tamara, thank you for your question about how the mailed entries are counted for the drawing. I will definitely find out the answer when I go to Knoxville to witness the sweepstakes drawing. I will report back then!
Your Super Fan,
Gail
P.S.: Should the suggested party for bloggers be hosted by the HGTV Dream Home 2009 winner, I will absolutely be there with dessert in hand. Sorry, Coop, it won’t be lemony — chocolate desserts are my specialty. I will also bring my corn and heirloom-tomato salad.
Hi All…to Debbie Lee; BoBo would be nice to your Twister,but prefers to chase a tennis ball…to JandVs mom; I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom too,and loved EVERY minute of it!…to Marie Miller; BoBo is a lab/spaniel mix,reddish-brown with beautiful amber eyes. Also,(talk about a small world) the producers of the movie you mentioned,”Bottle Shock”,live in Armstrong Estates, and much of the movie was filmed in Sonoma and around the Plaza!(BoBo and I watched the filming one day). Are you sure that YOU are not a plant from HGTV???
Also,one of the BEST things about Sonoma is that we do not have any big name stores in town…if you want to shop at Target or Wallmart,you’ll need to drive to Napa or Santa Rosa. Ingrid from Sonoma
ps…Gail; you’ll need to negociate a raise from HGTV; these blogs have grown to the 400′s and you’ll need some overtime pay to compensate you for all the extra time needed to read everything! Ingrid from Sonoma
Where is the hall Closet, for rain coat’s and gear??? have to have a close to door closer.??????
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY to my blogger friends! “Friends are the chocolate chips in the cookie of life.”….(on a plague given to me by a friend a few years ago.)
Tamara- I am so very happy and thrilled for you!
Katherine-Do you have children?? Our wonderful dog was adopted by my son’s fraternity ten years ago.Buddy is a Black Lab\German Shepherd mix who is grrrr-8 with our grandchildren and VERY protective of me since I was disabled 8 years ago. Blogger Chip also has a Black Lab. They get to be pretty big(about80 pounds)and are usually gentle with children. My sister has a golden retriever who has always been good with her children.I believe that you’d be happy with either breed!
Marie Miller- I will try to find the movie Bottle Shock to see more of Sonoma’s beautiful scenery! How very sweet of you to volunteer to movie into the DH when we win and to be my personal chef! My wonderful husband is getting tired of all the cooking! (My left arm and hand are paralysed.)Keep Dreamin,my friends!
Lucky Lady
a.k.a.Illinois Nancy
As Valentine’s day progresses I pray it’s been great to you all so far. I made a heart shaped apple/cin bread, and I’ll be working on the pizza to match later {:^). Yes I have kids, whom I love dearly. Tamamra what great news, congrats! I am also so soryy for all of you very strong and courageous women that have been through some tragic circumstances. Marie like the rest of the Bloggers certainly I hope I win your guest room will be waiting, and I can’t wait to see what you cook LOL. On the other hand should YOU win us hungry bloggers want a meal prepared by our very special blogging friend-YUMMY! Can’t wait. I am happy to know my money and card will be accepted and without a burden to the winner. I bet we could make a pretty big dent in the taxes due if we tried. It’d be great if they had to come up with not a penny for the first year. With all the monies burden how could they afford the SIS party? We have to help the winner out. I have to tell you when I saw that we may be looking into some drawers I was relieved to see dishes Ha-ha. A Joke guys, can’t be to careful with TV today. I wonder just how many towels and linens are available. I can’t wait to see the winner. I always cry at these kind of shows it means a lot to me when other people are blessed. Well have a great day remember it is the day of love so feel free to spread it around! You all are great!
Happy Valentines Day Everyone !!!! Good Luck to all who entered the DH2009 but we all know that there can only be one winner and we all know who we want that person to be !!! It sounds like no matter who wins we will be happy and I for one will be sending my congratulatory dollar. Good Luck to ALL !! Linda from Ohio
No Nancy, there is no cream cheese. The recipe was named that by Tippie and she has passed long ago so — my best guess is it looks like a very yellow cheese when finished.
Jenny D. – the recipe is for everyone! Gail had menitoned tht Coop like lemon desserts —– but it is for him and all the bloggers.
Marie Miller, I’m looking forward to meeting Bobo – he sounds like my kind of dog. We had a dog named Mischief. She was a shepard/lab mix —- we said her breed was a shepador. After 17 wonderful years she died missing her California roots. We got her at a shelter in San Pedro.
Hearts and Hugs to all!!!
Ladies (bloggers), you all have hearts of gold. If only you were here to help me fight 4 males for control of the channel changer
HGTV has always been (mostly)the only TV channel I watch…I love it!
I hope everyone had a Good Valentine’s Day.
What a house, this will be a dream come true
for someone. What a great thing HGTV is doing.
Deryck, you crack me up! Seriously, though, if we could get it together a road trip would be so cool. Not sure if it’s “do-able” on my end, having 4 children and all…how would that conversation go…”um, honey? You know the HGTV Dream Home? Well, we didn’t win, but I just want to go out to Cali. for the blogger party and I’d like you to stay here with the children…hmmm? Pretty please?”. LOL!
Bonnie B: GREAT info about the IRS tax gift-giving idea. Someone said it right, they never worried about claiming the $5 they got every year for their b-day from aunt Edna (or whomever it was!).
Leslie: I’m in Clayton County, not too far way from you. If the roadtrip doesn’t pan out with Deryck, then SISP in GA is on!
Marie: Of COURSE I remember you are an original GA gal! You’re in CA now, right? Oh, wouldn’t it be great for all of us to meet at the SISP? Or better yet, wouldn’t it be great for one of us to win the house and then host the SISP?!!
I hope that life gives you a good hand next, Nancy! I highly admire women who raise a kid(s) by themselves, especially when it is not their choice.
I feel so undeserving when I get on here and read other people’s stories. I feel like even if I won the dh I should give it up, lol.
Granted, I don’t have any money, and I need to buy a house and all- very poor college kid, but I have my wonderful husband and a pretty healthy beautiful 9 month old. I am very fortunate in so many ways!
4dewdrops and leslie, i also live in georgia. actually in kennesaw-cobb county. i would love to have a east coast party!!! it is a small world. have a great night.
Happy Valentine’s Day All! Thanks for the peek into the closets Gail. And for the interview with Jack. Too bad you couldn’t get the next location out of him. Like everyone, I’m just hoping and dreaming to win, but afraid I couldn’t afford the house even if I did win. A dream and a prayer is all I have. But I’ll keep doing both. And who knows.. Good Luck Everyone. Enjoy reading your blogs….
Tamara sorry I hacked up your name earlier-Oops those type-o’s. Sorry! You see I can spell sorry too. Going to have that heart shaped pizza in a few minutes. I am so hungry. A delightful movie after “Madagascar 2″ because “1″ was no enough LOL. Hey locals I do have to ask is the mailbox up at the house?
Dear Valentine Bloggers–It is so awesome to read your thoughts and wishes!
Kat-I think you are deserving; just because your life is blessed doesn’t mean you don’t deserve the DH2009. It’s about the dream and if you wish the dream for yourself, it can come true. That doesn’t make you selfish–it just makes you equipped to help others less fortunate than yourself!
Lindalou-I would love a northern Houston SIS; that is if one of us isn’t on our way to Sonoma!! There’s a great wine bar in the Woodlands, TX called CRU. It’s in Market Street–let’s see the outcome!
MM-Took your recommendation of Bottle Shock to heart and rented at blockbuster tonight. Got it home and it was cracked-sent my husband back to blockbuster to get their 2nd copy–got it home and it was inoperable too!! Now I’m dying to see this flick. Guess that movie just wasn’t meant to be for Valentines.
Tonights chocolate quote: and my favorite chocolate song, “Nobody knows the truffles I’ve seen.” Just a little Valentine humor! Ha-ha:) Good night and sweet Dreamin’.
KAT!!! That’s what I love to hear, baby! You do have so much to be grateful for. I’m so glad you are not letting ‘no money’ put you in the ‘boo hoo club’ God bless you sweetheart and I will be praying for your finances.
Rhonda- lol, thanks. But God has provided so far, and I hope he continues. Somehow the months tick by, bills scrape by and we are clothed and fed and happy. Every month gets us closer to my graduation and a second income.
It is funny that wealth is so relative. Since we live on a 20,000 year income with no insurance, me graduating and getting a starting salary of 30,000 sounds like a fortune. But I am sure when we are sitting there trying to put my hubby through schooling we will feel just as poor.
On campus, we had a speaker who said “You will never have enough of what you don’t need to be happy”. I have decided to let that be my motto and to be happy with what I do have.
That being said, I do dream of the dream home and the possibilities it would provide my family… I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth!
So, if you pray for me, pray for our continued health, so that the lack of insurance won’t sink our happy family boat, lol.
God is good, regardless of if who wins the dream home.
Especially since he gave me the ability to dream BIG.
oh Kat.. you are deserving. From your posts, you are a big hearted lady! Oh my gosh it seems like yesterday that my little 20 month old was 9 months and learning to take steps and belly laughin… awwwwww… I want more babies so bad! lol Don’t you worry about me, I working hard to get my self and my baby doll home to California someday soon, with or without the dreamhouse!
What an amazing blog. I have spent hours over the past couple of days reading your comments – seems like an amazing group of people. I guess I didn’t realize there were that many people in love with “my house”. What a truly dream house it is – I can see my grandchildren playing in the yard and myself soaking in that beautiful tub half the night. I hope whoever wins truly gets to enjoy it as much as I will if I win. Blessings to all!
KAT…Okie Dokie
Regarding taxes… Does anybody remember when Oprah gave away the cars to all the teachers and there was a lot of flack over the teachers having to pay taxes on those cars? Well, the IRS allowed Oprah to pay the taxes for the teachers. Also, we know this ticked Oprah off immensely (the tax law she was unaware of) and since we know Oprah and Obama are BFFs, we could all pray really hard that Oprah has put a bug in Obama’s ear to change this tax law with all of the hubub going on and the changes happening in our govt. After all, Canada does not charge taxes to any citizen who wins a lottery or prize. If Canada can do it, we can do it. Just pray really hard for this to get slipped into one of those rescue bills they’re writing.
lol…. yeah… it would be nice if among all the other junk the democrats
are sticking into the bailouts they could do something really helpful, lol
But I always thought it was rather dumb to win a lottery prize and then have to pay taxes…deflates the whole experience….
maybe the winner should just throw themselves at oprahs mercy… maybe she would take pity and work something out again….. gotta love her!
Hope you all had a great Valentines day!
JandVs mom…I am going on the tour next Saturday, the 21st at 2:30pm. I would love for you to come along, but I think it is already sold out. Call to double check. But I could still meet up with you in the “Plaza” if you like, and you could take a later tour. The tours are a very short 30 minutes.
There is going to be six of us but only three of us are actually taking the tour.
The other three don’t want to take it again, includind my husband.
I have never met any of the other people in person, and only one of them I know from the message board
. But love how the Dream House brings people together.
It would be great JandV if you could make it.
The Dream Home message board is at th bottom of the page where it says More From HGTV.com, and then you can go on the Dream Home board, and also there is a Green Home Board.
I have been on the board since the DH05 Tyler Texas home.
I have made life time friends there. They even go on some trips together, and I went To Key West Florida with about five of the ladies (who I had never met in person before ). We had a blast. Of course we stopped by the Islamorada Dream Home (I posted a picture awhile back).
I hope to develop a friendship like that from this group too, being that there are so many wonderful people here.
Well hello all DH2009 bloggers! This is my first time ever blogging and I am doing it all for my Dream Home! I love this house, no complaints & no changes needed. I have always been an HGTV fan but I must admit I am almost obsessed now that I have been visiting the site daily to enter to win our dream home. After our remodel went bad due to a thieving contractor I found that focusing on my DH has taken away my bitter feelings from my remodel problems.
My husband & I, along with our 3 kids and 2 great dogs (don’t worry they share they will make due with the 1 prefectly build dog house) are ready to move in and throw a huge feast for all including our new neighbors. Just come and “ambush” us we are more than ready!!!
TTFN
Sweet dreams…
Note to Super Fan Gail and HGTV: As you know from reading this blog, there are many, many of us out here who wish to send a card of congratulations to the DH winner and maybe enclose some green, wrinkly pictures of dead guys as a housewarming gift. So as not to create an attractive nuisance of a mailbox overflowing with mail and no one there to empty it in a timely manner, perhaps HGTV should ask the postoffice to hold the mail for 620 5th St. East, Sonoma, Ca. until the winner takes possession of the property and responsibility for empyting the mailbox. Can you picture the winner answering the door and the mailman depositing a large bag of mail on the beautiful American Walnut floor of the foyer of the DH? Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!
4dewdrops: Use to be in California…now I am an Oregonian Plant…5 years now & loving every minute of it by the ocean!! However, it would be wonderful to have a home close to my children & grandchildren, who still live in California…Sebastopol & Santa Rosa!!
Melinda: Sorry to hear that you had soooooooo much trouble renting “Bottle Shock!” However, when you do finally get an operable copy, I think you will enjoy it…it is based on the true story & I’m sure you’ll love seeing the Napa Valley & Calastoga!! Could be your back yard….soon!!!
Shar: If I win the DH2009, you’ll see a spread fit for a King…we southern gals like to cook all night, so we have plenty to go around by high noon!! You won’t be disappointed…and, if you win, I appreciate having at least a night’s stay at the dream home…thank you!!
Michele: I think so too…glad you saw it through my eyes…have a wonderful day!!
Bonnie B: Loved your “rule of thumb!!” Thank you for the enlightenment!!
Okay my friends: You won’t hear from me for a couple of days, or so…I know you won’t miss that much…however, I will miss all of you until I return. Keep those fingers banging on the keyboard & entering every day…just a few more days left to do so!! GOOD LUCK to all of you. I will hold my breath with anticipation to see what Gail comes up with tomorrow…won’t know until late Tuesday night upon my return!!!
Tah, Tah for now!!!
Hey Y’all,
Hope everyone had a great Valentines day. Congratulations to Tamara on your engagement. Enjoy the journey.
I had another inspiration for the SIS bloggers party. Not only should everyone bring their favorite food to share, but bring at least one of your favorite recipes for the cookbook and on another recipe card write a note of advice, encouragement, or words of wisdom to be used in my book “Livin’ the Dream”. Well whoever the winner is could put together both books.
I do wish everyone well as we each have a grand dream of being the winner. There will be only one grand prize winner. But no one can ever dampen our dreamers spirit. We have obviously found joy in our journey as we eagerly anticipate the “ambush”. Ohhhh, it just makes me giggle thinking about how excited we will be as the winner is announced.
It would be great to meet so many of you in person and celebrate together. Bon chance mon amies!
t
It looks like the garage is detached, how far is it from the house? I think I prefer having a door directly into the kitchen or a mud room off the kitchen so it’s convenient for carrying groceries in the rain, but it gives has great curb appeal. The windows give it a light open feel.
“You will never have enough of what you don’t need”! Love that statement Kat! And it is so true. We have six children, two grandchildren and one on the way. Family and friends is most important. Off to church for now. Everyone have a great day.
Catmagic,
I agree with you. Gifts given to the winner should not have any strings attached. This also includes the winner not feeling obligated to spend the money on the SIS party. Our goal is to rejoice with them, not dictate their actions or response to us.
Maybe I am missing something here.
Say that there are 500 people whriting to this blog. (witch there are less)
And they all send $100 free (witch they wont)
And you chose to hide it from the IRS (witch you cant)
Wouldnt that leave you about $1,000,000.00 short?
Woul
No John, you only need about $700,000.00 to cover the initial one time income tax on the winnings. Property taxes is a whole other ball game of course.
IS THERE NOT A BATHROOM ON THE MAIN LEVEL OF THE HOUSE?
HGTV Bloggers- I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend, a long one for some. It is a very rainy and windy day here in Northern Ca. We are getting a real dumping of snow in the Sierra’s, which we need badly. We can’t wait to get up there and enjoy some fresh powder!
We are getting close people and the anticipation of it all is sometimes too much for me. I think about living in that home everyday now. What it would be like to cook in the fabulous kitchen and entertain in the beautiful dining room. The master bedroom and bath would be our ultimate sanctuary, no need to go anywhere to pamper myself, just step right in and enjoy a nice warm bubble bath in that tub! The house is sooo perfect for us and the guest room would stay that way, a guest room, no need to use it unless friends or family come to visit. Our son would absolutely LOVE his new room. I can just see him and his little buddies playing in there. The yard would most likely need to be fenced off a bit but it’s perfect.
I have been reading many blogs about the SIS Party. I would love to be invited so please keep us in the loopty loop. We are just a short drive to Sonoma so we could definatley be there. I have some great recipes that I could share for the recipe book!
Have a great Sunday and keep DREAMING BIG!!!
Jenny D
CA
Okay, hopefully this post is the 500th for 02/09 — will see b/c I tried posting yesterday to no avail. I don’t know if there were several trying to post at the same time, but that was weird — I also tried to sign up from my membership with myunclestan.com and it kept saying that I had to pay with paypal and paypal wasn’t even letting me access my expired account – oh well, I was really having a bad day yesterday. My husband was sick and we didn’t even celebrate Valentines. I hope this is a better day…Maybe if I go back to my Day Dreams of this Dream Home…
Hi Bloggers!
I’m going to call myself Janet R now…it seems there are now 2 or 3 other Janets on here – who knew the name was so popular??? LOL
Hope everyone had a GREAT Valentines Day.
Tamara, Congratulations! I was a wedding planner in a former life (years ago)! Enjoy every moment of your planning and celebration!
I am ancy for another Gail post! I can’t wait to see what it’s about this week! Will it be our last from her? Don’t say it!
Bonnie B – thanks so much for your sleuth work on the gift tax.
Lindalou – love your idea on the “green recyclable paper” (wink!) Who doesn’t love to recycle?
I’ll have to check out “Bottle Shock” – I’m so excited!
Dreamin’ in PA,
Janet R
John,
I’ll never encourage anyone to hide anything from the IRS. That’s not my idea of integrity. Why steal after receiving so much?
Enjoy the dream! The winner will be well advised later.
Property taxes were about what $24,000 a year. The total DH2009 may be worth about 2 million, but the assesed proprty value/taxes is a whole different issue. The values in the area will determine the property tax value. I read once that they actual value of the prize within reason can be disputed with the sponser if valued to high according to the market. I’m praying it comes out about 1.2-1.6 million, or less to aid in the already overwhelming tax issue(s). There are homes that range from 500-up to 2+ milllion. I found a real estate comparable for about which sold for about 1.2 million at the end of last year. The property taxes were $24,816 (ouch) This home doesn’t have a pool, which will help with lowering it’s value. The DH2009 home will be expensive and taxes will be high. Am I correct in saying that state taxes will not have to be paid if the winner lives in a state without state taxes? I live in Washington (grew up in Sonoma-Go Dragons LOL) we have no state taxes therefore should I (by God’s grace) win would only have to pay federal and property taxes (Ha-ha that’s funny ONLY) Well there’s yet again food for thought. We need that mailbox up to help supplement the taxes, relocation expenses,and just a warm congrats! Is the mailbox up? Marie although I certainly do not deserve a meal as for the King of King I will take it. I as well as my boys love to eat. As single mom I do all of the cooking here and would love the break. If you win we could vacation to see my family possibly and dine at your table. Oh, those white/cream chairs my boys could have them lovingly designed by the time the meal was over hee-hee. Hope everyone had a great Valentine’s day. Do you know that valentine’s day was named after St. Valentine? It is a Christian holiday named after St. Valentine and all those Christian Martyers. Funny they say God is about love and loving others and here is a Christian holiday about just that. Tamara I think he probably stood up there smiling and clapping up there for you yesterday, and had his Angels singing with such joy. Congrats again. We should have more love holiday, maybe one for singles. Ya, one for singles so the married people give is love gifts (ha-ha) just an idea.Have a great day everyone. I wish I was in Hawaii, it’s sunny, beautiful, but cold up here.
John – $100 times 500 bloggers would be $50,000 so you’d be about $650,000 short.
Happy Belated Valentine’s Day to all! I have been off the blog, as I am sick. I finally caught the cold my family has had all week, so instead of going out to a Bistro type restaurant for VD, with good wine(that I cannot taste), my husband and I went out for Hot & Sour Soup and spicy Chinese instead. During our simple dinner, we both acknowledged how lucky we were to be able to go out to eat in this difficult economical period. We don’t go out that often, however, we are indeed fortunate. It was almost like a Night of Thanks, and a reminder that we have loved ones in our lives that matter.
I too, cannot believe the number of blog entries! I am still getting caught up. What a community! I enjoy each and every one.
Congrats to Tamara from me as well! Enjoy!
It is so nice to see DBCoop back in action.
I am driving distance to Sonoma, and will definitely attend the SIS!
Well, I am off to take it easy so I can be ready for another week. Take care, all, and be glad for your family, friends, and comforts.
Happy day after Valentines Day!
Tamara – Best wishes to you and your fiancé! How romantic proposing on Valentines Day! A wedding in wine country would be lovely, may all your dreams come true.
JandVsmom – I love your practicality of a sink in the garage. It would never do to have outdoor hands washed in the kitchen.
So, how many people do you think are out there reading the blog posts but never writing? And how do you think they feel about the $1-$5 ‘gifts’? If just the people actually posting sent gifts, that really wouldn’t be a lot of money; not enough for the taxes. It could go towards the SISP.
Michelle, I am so sorry you had to drive home not wanting to go home, so sad. I am happy you don’t have to face that anymore. No one should have to live like that. I am divorced myself and better for it, the kids are too (they are grown now). Best of luck to you!
Lindalou, I love you…I know you meant it for Coop, but there is nothing better than lemon (chocolate included)!
You are all writing such wonderful recipes, I’m sure I haven’t seen them all; a cookbook would be so fantastic. I hope someone has been keeping track of all the recipes. I myself am obsessed with scones right now; I finally found a great basic scone recipe, and now I do yummy things with it. I have really been into the whole tea thing, too. I love to have tea with my friend, with little tea sandwiches and pastry. I would love to go to school to be a pastry chef—that is one of my dreams.
Kat – I have also discovered that there are so many deserving people that should win the DH so they can make their dreams come true. Makes you wish everyone could win.
It’s windy and rainy here in Sacramento, gotta love it! Finally, it feels like winter!
Michele – Absolutely let friends pick up the tab when they want to! Just say YES when the Universe is trying to give you something–you’ve asked for more in your life (as have we all!); we need to learn to be better receivers (allowers). It’s good for EVERYONE to prosper–the Universe has abundance for all.
lovelykitty – I went to the HGTV message boards and see a forum for the Green Home but not for the Dream Home. Help? (I used http://boards.hgtv.com/eve )
Regarding giving the winner money as a gift I went the the IRS site and found the following info.
From IRS Publication 950:
“Generally, the person who receives your gift or your bequest will not have to pay any federal gift tax or estate tax because of it. Also, that person will not have to pay income tax on the value of the gift or inheritance received.”
“For 2008, you generally can give a gift valued at up to $12,000 each, to any number of people, and none of the gifts will be taxable…If you are married, both you and your spouse can separately give gifts valued at up to $12,000 to the same person in 2008 without making a taxable gift.”
I think it’s also important that when we gift the Winner, we do it with NO strings attached. If it helps them keep the home, fine, but that may not be the best choice for them. I’d like it to be another wonderful part of their Dream, but not a burden of expectations. Let them use it how THEY choose. What do you all think?
I know what else I’d love to receive with the DH–free maid service for a year! Maybe a local company could donate it and write it off as advertising–”Official Cleaners for the HGTV Dream Home 2009!”
Coop – maybe while you’re in Asia you could find a beautiful Quan Yin sculpture (Chinese goddess of mercy/compassion) for one of the pedestals in the front entry. The Chinese are such a strong influence enriching the bay area, and the Victorians had a fondness for Asian decorations. Enjoy your journey–we’re missing your wise and humorous presence on the blog.
Still enjoying you all!
Cat
Good Afternoon from cold but sunny Mass. I look forward everyday to entering the contest then going to this site to hear from so many that I think of as friends
Good to see that I am not the only one who wondered about the mailbox. Have to smile at me being called a trooper. The only way I could drive across country is if I win the DH. I would not want to fly my animals out to California. I can bear a few days of cramped quarters knowing that they are safe with me. Ingrid, thank you for the info on BoBo. He sounds playful. Having an excitable cairn terrier who thinks everyone and everything is for his entertainment I know that he and Bobo would get on great together. Good to hear that there are not any big chain stores in town. I love watching the newer parent trap movie since it show scenes of the napa valley. But I must confess that Halley Mills is still my favorite for the role 
Marie, enjoy your trip and looking forward to your input when you return. Brenda, I am happy to hear that I was one of many who brightened your day!
Happy weekend everyone! Keep smiling and dream Big!
Cynthia Newland
Brrrr, back in “sunny” CA, and it’s a bit chilly here, but the sun IS shining. Well, no wonder I’m feeling a bit cold, I’m still dressed for the tropical Hawaiian weather…just wearing one of those grass skirts…no, wait, I just realized it’s one of those straw beach mats! Guess I forgot to unwrap myself after my last beach visit. Funny, airport security never said a word about it!
Talk about pineapples, Katherine and Marie Miller, I had plenty in every possible variety of ways—fresh, baked, and, how else, juiced in so many wonderful exotic drinks. Speaking of, the ‘Hang Ten’ Bar & Grill at the Turtle Bay Resort is a great place to indulge. So much going on there, with the SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System) LPGA Golf Tournament attracting plenty of big names.
Michelle Wie looked certain to clinch it, but it was Angela Stanford who took the win.
Interesting crowds, even included actual Sumo wrestlers, and some Hollywood types. (I understand that ‘Lost’ is filmed at the North Shore.)
How wonderful to come home to an explosion of new bloggers and a posting marathon—but a daunting challenge trying to catch up. I zipped through hundreds of great comments. Sorry if I’ve left out answers to important questions directed my way, but many thanks to all who sent good thoughts to me while I was off playing hookey.
By the way, my Macadamia Nut Chocolates didn’t make it back home—the box got broken open somehow on the flight, and they all just disappeared!
Don’t want to forget; thanks Lindalou, for sharing Tippy’s Lemon Cheese Filling recipe with us. I wonder if it would taste totally primo with Vanilla White Cake?
Okay, back to the salt mines for me, and more great adventures with HGTV coming soon, I’m sure. Talking about work, hope you and your family are all back to good health ASAP, Bonnie.
Thanks, Brenda, and to the many, many other brave bloggers who kept questions about taxes and the “magic” powder room to a minimum while I was traversing the oceans.
It’s always great to be home, no matter how much fun was had on vacation. There’s no substitute for good friends and family…but I STILL haven’t gotten up to tour the Dream Home yet. Well, there’s always tomorrow..
Hi DH bloggers , If someone already suggested this I apologize but I loved the idea about a Dream Home Blogger Cookbook, after we share our success and failures with the recipes it could be put together and then sold each year to benefit a good cause in the area around that years dream home ,maybe something that supports creativity for children or needing adults ???? anyway, I’ll be happy to try any new recipe in my new Kitchen…. 2 islands , pantry, wine frig , soft colors , sound familiar ? I’m till dreaming , good health to everybody , only 5 more days oh my!!! oh by the way if I try all these recipes I want that magic mirror Victoria mentioned some time back the one that smooths skin, takes off 25 pounds etc.
Hi people! I am soo excited! I had wriiten earlier that my husband is being offered a job in SanFrancisco.We will find out this week if he got it.With the economy the way it is I feel so blessed that he already has a decent job, but this would have a substantial pay increase.I’m a stay at home mom too,so of course my “bring-home pay”LOL is not what it should be!I was really depressed all winter about our financial situation, and this Dream house made me remember to actually dream! I know it sounds corny but it has really changed my life! Kat:I agree with you on the Oprah front.Let’s invite her to the SIS!I would be glad to go on the show and tell everyone about the experience! Keep the good energy flowing everyone and have a great Presidents day!soo glad we have the day off from school!!!
oprah? Really??? I’m way more interested and have more in common with most of you.
Kinda bummed about all of the tax figures being tossed about.
HGTV GAIL Time to give some REAL answers.Are you and your sponsors catering to the rich only? As for myself I just bought a top of the line DELTA faucet for my bathroom remodel. We also returned a pella window in favor of a JELDWIN window. I realized how influenced I have truly been by all of this dreamhouse stuff. This in itself isn’t so bad except it translates into dollars for people who really have no regard for those who cannot afford this ‘gift’. If HGTV has not made provisions for these things…it’s almost feeling a little bit like fraud not to make it known that only certain people can really afford to win this contest.
I think the cookbook would be a wonderful thing for all of the beautiful dreamers out there
One of the bloggers asked about a basement, is there one? Attic space and easy access?
Leslie- Congrats to you and your husband. We all know what a blessing it is to even have a job let along land one that pays more these days! Enjoy it!
You will LOVE SF. I was born there and we spend time there about once a month or so, not a far drive for us.
Take care all you bloggers!
Jenny D
Good thing I am not paranoid………
Cannot wait to be secretly followed for an ambush