Blogger Party and More
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Good afternoon, bloggers!
I really hope that the SISBP happens! That’s “Sippin’ in Sonoma Bloggers Party,” for those of you joining us regulars. My corn and heirloom tomato salad is the recipe my friends most often request and is unbelievably simple. It will be perfect after a trip to the lovely Sonoma Farmer’s Market or during your own summer picnic. (I think I got the recipe from a Williams-Sonoma cookbook, so it’s a fitting recipe, considering the company was established in Sonoma!)
3 cups fresh white or yellow corn cut from about 6 ears of cooked corn (I just boil the ears for a few minutes.)
1 large heirloom tomato cut into bite-size pieces (or 20 cherry tomatoes, halved)
2 tablespoons finely chopped basil
1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix all ingredients together in your favorite serving bowl; cover. Serve at room temperature.
Now, on to some of those questions:
•Several of you asked how interior designer Linda Woodrum created that fabulous master bedroom canopy. She worked with experts at Ethan Allen to design and assemble the canopy, but you can easily recreate the look by following the instructions posted by HGTV Dream Home fan Katine. She posted photos of her HGTV Dream Home look-alike bedroom on Rate My Space. Check it out – amazing, don’t you think?
•The Chandelier in the master bedroom is the Eight Arm Bell Chandelier by Ethan Allen.
•Lastly, a lawn mower is not included in this year’s giveaway. Put one on your “need to purchase” list. Make sure it is a push mower – you may need the exercise after lounging the day away in your new HGTV Dream Home master bathtub. (At least I would.)
Your Super Fan,
Gail
Rhonda, I don’t think that there are actually any bowling alleys in the town of Sonoma (Bonnie, Ingrid or Bobo would know for sure). I think the closet bowling alleys are in Napa and Petaluma (short drive next door).
omg. I want to cry now. It appears that this dream house will always be just a dream for me. I’ve been excitedly entering ever since my mom told me about this, I’d asked what the requirements were to enter and she’d said “18yrs and older, legal resident of the us”
actually checked the rules tonight only to see that dream house slip from my hands like a fish.
maybe the year after next i’ll get a pretty house.
sigh.
GOOD LUCK to everyone else. i hope the winner deserves it!!
Brenda/Victoria – thanks for the pics!!! it is so much fun to look at every single picture. Good Luck to all of us.
PS – almost forgot! When I win – I will most certainly host the SISBP!!! Can’t wait!!
Gail, thanks so much for the great recipe with all those fresh veggies! I do love the “cinderella” bedroom; I know I will feel like a princess there.
One of the rooms I love the best is the dining room – especially the color; it’s so warm and earthy. I have the same color in my kitchen now so I would feel right at home.
Ronda P. thanks for the interest in the barbarcue receipe — I’ll have to go through the files — but will post it later. Hope the kitchen has plenty of room for cook books — I have loads of them. Also hope there is room for lots of spices — I like to experiment.
Keep up all of your “Dreams” because anyone of us could be the winner!
With my Red magic shoes(slippers) on click-click-click there’s no place like the HGTV Dream Home ,There’s no place like the HGTV Dream Home, There’s no place like the HGTV Dream Home .Dream Big. Dream Dream. Good Luck To All
Gail your Recipe sounds Delicious (SISBP) That’s Going to be Great I will Most Certainly Love to be there. Dream Big, Dream Dream.
I am a michigan native who has never been to california but for this dream home I’m willing to change that, however there is a serious problem if I win. I am a handicapped woman that cannot walk very well any more and spend a lot of time in a wheelchair. How could I live in that home with no ramps or elevators?
That canopy bed is so beautiful… now my wife wants one as well. It looks very easy to do. I’ll most likely give it a try some time this year after we are done adding onto the house and get our master bedroom finished. And Katine, you did a great job with changing your master bedroom as well. Thanks for showing the before and after pictures and I would have to say that the change was for the best. It looked like a good room before… but now it looks even better.
I was a little confused about the entries. I read the rules for entering and it says a post card or a piece of paper in an envelope. Does that mean that if we use post cards they will be disqualified if we do not put them in an envelope or is sending out just the post card ok? I tried to find the answer here in the blog but if it is here I missed it. Thanks!
Thanks Brenda ! I love it when people ask BoBo questions…he really is a “fur-person”,
and appreciates being asked about Sonoma.
(You are correct about no bowling alleys in Sonoma.) But there are sooooo many more wonderful things that Sonoma has to offer…
as a matter of fact,there is a bocce ball league starting up that my husband and I intend to join! Ingrid from Sonoma
Victoria an lovelykitty thank you so much for posting the great pictures. It does seem more real now. Looks even bigger too. WOW!! What a beautiful house and town. I am really praying the right family wins, and that they can keep the house. The house is just so much more than the money it’s worth. It’s elegant, but comfortable. The outside is so homey yet grand. The house captures what a family needs and wants, and the “feeling” of the area too. I appreciate that more through these pics. Was also SO happy to see the inside of the guestroom closet!! It’s another big one!! PERFECT, PERFECT, PERFECT!!
Debbie Lee…I’m a Feb.16th Birthday Girl too…what a small world ! I like to start celebrating on Valentine’s Day and keep going for a week. Life is Good! Ingrid from Sonoma
I have to hand it to you, GAIL, our Super Fan extraordinaire; despite being up to your elbows in fan emails and knee-deep in research, you continue to provide all of us Dream Home bloggers and readers with ample entertainment and pleasant surprises. However, I remain curious: were you ever able to twist John Gidding’s arm, hold his feet to the fire, and put your finger on the answer to my question about the significance, IF ANY, of the ‘Hand’ sculpture John chose for the Study bookcase? I promise that your response will get two thumbs up from me, and probably with a few other equally curious bloggers.
In the meantime, I’ve got to zip off yet another entry to dramatically increase my chances of winning!
OK, so if I could vote for someone who blogged today to win, besides myself, it would be Miss Gina Betti. CHEERS, CHEERS. I believe she would be able to keep the house too. Go Gina. Hope you have kids to fill it, however.
Love your blog about the area too. It’s clearly a nice area. In CA even the home straight across the street would be worth a lot. The neighborhood looks perfect.
Too bad it’s random, though Gina
Happy dreaming!!
Does anyone ever wonder why some comments get stuck in moderation?
On the plus side, there is a Whole Foods very close by. And a Trader Joe’s in Napa. About 25-30 minutes drive…
It is nice that even in this terrible economic crisis, we have something to dream about and hope for. Thank you HGTV!
What a nice surprise to get a video AND a Blog from Gail.Thank you so much!!
I must say, I truly enjoy this group of bloggers. I hope a SIS party actually happens.
Nancy Donahue-your work is just BEAUTIFUL!! I put the link in my favorites.
JandV’s mom, I would LOVE it if you made it to the tour. My tour is at 2:30, so I will be at the hotel at least by 2pm. Let me know what tour you will be on. Jenny D, did you say you were going on the Tour this weekend too? What time? Would be nice to just see some of the posters there even if we can’t hang out together.
I have posted pictures of myself, so you will know me when you see me.
Ingrid, one of the ladies from the Dream Home message board just went on the tour last weekend, and she showed a picture of the park on the corner from the DH, and it has a sign that says NO DOGS. So it is not a dogs park?
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Ingrid and Debbie
.
Just realized I didn’t enter yesterday
.
I JUST LOVE ALL PARTS OF THIS HOUSE. I LOVE THE GARDEN, AND MY HUSBAND CAN MAKE REALLY GOOD WINE. THE INSIDE IS SO WELCOMING, AND I KNOW I WOULD FEEL RIGHT AT HOME IN THIS HOUSE. I ALSO LOVE THE IDEA THAT THE HEART OF SONOMA IS A HALF MILE AWAY, EASY WALKING DISTANCE. I HAVE MY FINGERS CROSSED OF COURSE THAT I WIN BUT THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF ME SAY’S GATHER ALL THE INFO I CAN ABOUT THIS HOUSE SO I CAN TAKE SOME OF THESE IDEAS AND MAYBE USE THEM IN MY HOME NOW. I REALLY LIKE THE IDEA OF TAKING THE WINE CLOSET AND TURNING IT INTO ART STOREAGE CLOSET. I DO HAVE A QUESTION, DOES ANYONE KNOW THE WALL COLOR ON THE STAIRWAY? GOOD LUCK TO ALL
Brenda-That was a very unique engagement ring story, “carat suprise dessert”. Really cute, I realy liked it!
Still working on the Wedding Plans…Still Dreaming of the Dream Home in Sonoma! That front lawn would be a very romantic wedding place for sure! And after the Sippin’ in Sonoma Wedding Reception (with all the bloggers invited), the Newlyweds could just go to their beautifully decorated room in the Dream Home! Happy dreaming everyone!
Lovelykitty, I was one the other blog page an hour ago and asked you the question you just answereds, i am calling in the morning (a few hours ) and booking what ever they have available…I don’t know how to post pics but I will go back to your sight and see what you looklike, don’t be scared when an excited middle aged mom in animal print comes running up to you: ) I’ll post tomorrow what time I can get a tour so we can meet up Good night
Here is a picture of me when I first went out to the DH location.
http://images35.fotki.com/v1210/photos/1/1239747/6277716/P4190137-vi.jpg
And here I am on the tour.
http://images42.fotki.com/v1447/photos/1/1239747/7142947/P1170425-vi.jpg
So I don’t think you will have any trouble finding me
.
Hope to meet up with you JandV’s mom.
Lovelykitty and other bloggers,
If the park across the street from the Dream Home doesn’t allow dogs, I think the SIS party should be held at the Plaza. It seems like there’s so much to do there. I’d love to experience all Sonoma has to offer, beginning with the Plaza. Besides, having the SIS party at the Plaza will eliminate the need for port-a-potties and clean-up. Food, fellowship, and fun can be the theme of the SIS party!
TO NANCY DONAHUE: found the recipies: go to HGTV home page; up at very top is a search bar. enter “bobby flay dream home 2009 recipes” and they will pop up! have fun!
I would love to have any information you could find about the gymnast sculpture on the desk in the study of the Dream Home. The name of the artist, the name of the store where it was purchased…anything that could put me on the trail would be great! If the question has been asked and answered already, I apologize. Thanks!
GAIL – you are so sweet to keep on reading, researching and answering all our questions. I have a couple, which I hope haven’t already been asked: 1. Did Bobby Flay autograph the framed recipes he left with the home; 2. Did the author of the gorgeous “poster” advertising the Dream Home 09 for HGTV autograph his work (the framed piece in the stairway to the second floor)??? thank you.
Lessie – does the Plaza allow dogs?
I think the countdown clock is off by 24 hours…
Good Morning Bloggers Happy Birthday Ingrid and Debbie, how is bobo doing with all the rain in CA.I,am so excited,There’s no place like the Dream home.Dream Big. Dream, Dream.
Hi, Could you tell me when the winner will be chosen, and how? Will it be televised? Thanks, Nita
Kristie thanks so much for answering my question! The girls are just as excited about all this as me. Only 2 more days everyone. Keep DREAMING BIG! I know I am! Good luck to you all~
Good Morning everyone!!! getting so close now, ive been away the weekend, i have sooo much catching up to do on the blog.. hope to post a new quote later when less busy at work DREAM BIG!!!!!!!!!!!
Good Morning!
quick answer…No, the plaza does not allow dogs.
LovelyKitty- thank you for the nice comment about my art, it’s nice to get such generous feedback!
Jennifer, Thank you so much for guiding me to the recipes!! I’m really wanting to try out that meyer lemon desert (now I can put my tiny meyer lemon tree to good use)!
about the office (studio)… I noticed there are two pantries in the kitchen, I think moving the wine closet there is a great idea and it will free up the studio closet for storage without losing the wine racks all together.
oh… btw..
If I win the dream house, I’m going to need some help with the SIS party because I havent been on the blog for very long I dont know everything that has already been planned.
Jennifer,
I’ve never been to Sonoma. Ingrid said dogs aren’t allowed at the Plaza. Lovelykitty said dogs aren’t allowed at the park. If dogs aren’t allowed at either, why not choose a location that’s least expensive for the hosts? The burden is on no one, we can all have a great time.
Please remember that I have reservations about hosting the SIS party at the Dream Home. I want the winner to have an even better time than the attendees!
It has been fun entering every day . . . in hopes of the winning the “Sonoma”. Thanks for the good times HGTV. the 19th looms.
I can hardly wait to move in.
hello, all!
Thanks, Gail for posting the recipe. I can’t wait to try it at the SIS party. Does any one know if Delta Air flies to northern CA? I have frequent flyer miles, but they will (and do) make you fly to Atlanta – their HUB, and that is not in the direction I need to go
I also want to comment on the movie Sideways. It is great and worth watching – in fact, I believe it was nominated for an Oscar that year … we liked it so much, that we went to wine country for our honeymoon. I can’t wait to win the DH09, or at least attent the SIS party!!!!
ATTEND, not “attent”. I should know better than to blog while I work. LOL!!!!
This Valentine’s Day, my husband and I grabbed a picnic lunch and took the 1 1/2 hours drive up to see the outside of the home. Tickets for the tour were sold out, but it was easy to find the home, just follow the crowds! We have 3 kids and would love to entertain. Too bad they didn’t add sleep away couches for visitors don’t you agree! There is only one smallish family room, and wonder how to have a big gathering inside unless everyone is spread out in the other rooms. Any thoughts on why sleep away beds weren’t in the plan, or more bedrooms?
lovelykitty- Yes, we are going on the tour. My hubby is in London at the moment, I will speak to him and find out, he booked it for us. He just told me that we were going. I will get back to you. Would love to be able to meet a fellow blogger in the flesh!
Hope to see you this weekend,
Jenny D
EDH, CA
I thought the movie Sideways was kind of a downner. There were some funny moments and characters but not upbeat overall. The scenery was great though!
JandVs mom- When is everyone planning on having the party? I will contribute however I can. I have 5 6 ft long tables and 4 large white canopies. Would you need these? May be nice to have some shelter to put food under. I have thrown some parties before and I love it so, if you have a date in mind, please let us know soon so we have time to brainstorm and plan.
We are going to tour the DH this weekend as well and then take our son to Train Town. We are only and hour and a half drive fron Sonoma so this is no problem.
I have trouble sleeping as well, especially now. The anticipation is too much. I keep dreaming of the big day, not just thinking if we win but to watch the ambush for some other lucky family. This is the only sweepstakes we have ever entered and I am amazed how it’s evolved. I love reading the blogs, there are genuine connections being made and that is great to see. A positive bunch we have. Good for the soul!
No matter if we win or not, the excitement of dreaming about the possibilites of winning the home has sparked other hopes and goals for us as a family.
You are a local right? Could you recommend a yummy place for lunch in town for us this weekend?
Until next post…Keep DREAMING BIG no matter what!
Jenny D
EDH, CA
The Old Colonel,
Hey!
NO, the clock isn’t off by 24 hrs. because it is going by the 5PM end time on Thursday (EASTERN TIME-that is). Today at 5:01PM it will display 1 day 24:59:59 then on Wednesday it will display 0 day 24:59:59 at 5:01PM. Then it will dwindle down to 00:00:00 on Thursday at 5 PM Eastern Time. : ) I hope that this helps with any confusion.
Hi fellow dreamers. The end of the posting will soon be upon us. I haven’t posted much but have enjoyed expessing my admiration for the house when I actually had a response. Thanks. There are so many of us with so many ideas on what it would mean to win this gorgeous house. I also have a pretty baby grand piano that I have been wondering where to put if I were the winner and didn’t have to sell. It is an Antique white piano that I used to play years ago for my own amazement! Now, when I have guests, I pretty much put the top down and use it for a different kind of buffet. I drape a silk scarf with fringe on it and it will look like it fits in to this perfect Victorian setting. I am also a portrait painter and wondered which of the rooms I would turn into a studio. When I was in my hayday I painted a portrait of our secretary of the Army at that time and it has been hanging in the Pentagon since 1990. Most of my work is large so I am always looking for that perfect wall. Thanks and best wishes to all of us.
Leslie, thanks so much for hosting the SIS and taking burden off the winners. Sounds like a good idea. One Question — Have you thought about the Clean UP? If as many bloggers come as say they will — it will be pretty big. Especially since everyone is thinking Big! OK Bloggers let’s hear from some volunteers!!!
With only a few days left, the dreams are building and getting BIGGER BY THE DAY!
Just meeting all the wonderful bloggers would be so exciting —– that can only happen by Winning and I am praying, dreaming and trying to use some mentalist skills to be there for the SIS!!!
Does anyone know what the day and time it will be when the winner is selected?
Hello fellow bloggers!!! We are getting down to the wire on this most wonderful of gifts for someone who is chosen!
I am so very excited, I have entered each and every dream home and have always been one to enjoy “dreaming” about what it would be like to have my own home.
I truly hope that someone who is most in need and deserving wins this lovely home.
I grew up in the San Francisco area and would more than love to go back someday, if this is my path then I will gladly take it, if not I wish the very best to the winner.
The great thing about the dream home is that if your dream doesnt come true this year you can always try again next year, so the dream continues……
As the mother of seven and grandmother of five, I must admit a home of my own sounds absolutely wonderful, it was never in the cards for us throughout my children’s growing up years, as a single mom of seven there was never any extra cash, so a home was way out of my reach.
As a grandmother I found the Dream Home and now I look forward each year to entering this great contest and just having fun planning the “what if” in my life, it’s wonderful to have hope, to dream.
I wish you all the very best in your “dreaming” and in the contest itself.
My only hope is that one who is truly in need will win!
God Bless You All!
Lindalou,
If you check the Sweepstakes rules, you will see that the winner will be picked around March 3rd. They will be notified around March 15th. Since HGTV will be having a Dream Home special on March 15th, my guess is that the winner may be contacted a day or so before. Good luck to all!