Feb
20
Super Fan Talks to Monica Pedersen
Today, Super Fan chats with Monica Pederson, host of the the HGTV Dream Home 2009 special and designer of the amazing tablescapes you voted on not too many months ago. Monica shares her inspiration for each setting and shares tips on how to create your own cheap-chic tablescapes with items you already have around the house.
Don’t forget to tune into the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009 special. Get show details here.
Well, for my part, BrendaLoo, I think good teachers should be paid as much as, if not more than, doctors, and certainly much more than attorneys! (I may get some feedback from THAT comment.)
Now, just think that from Tuesday, 24 Feb, to Tuesday, 3 March—it’s coming up fast. I imagine “they’re” gearing up for the big random draw. They’re probably getting ready as we speak (blog) to lower HGTV staffers into that gigantic hopper. Imagine doing cartwheels covered by around 60 million paper entries. It ‘bloggles’ the mind. Oh, or maybe they just push the ‘home’ button on the computer keyboard and, like magic, up pops the lucky dreamer’s name! Hopefully our Super Fan Gail will be there, looking over someone’s shoulder, and she can drop some hints to us about the winner’s location! That could generate some real interest….
Just another reminder to the folks at HGTV: since I leave for overseas on 3 March (but will be home for the DH winner’s reveal on 15 March), you can leave a “vague” message for me on my home phone, saying something like there’s a technical problem with my online account, and that I need to get in touch with your home office to clarify my location and contact details. That will be the signal to immediately get on my cell phone and arrange all of the “ambush” details!
After all, on arriving back home, I need a day or two to get the limo setup, the champagne and hors d’oeures ordered, the hair trimmed, and the tux pressed for my surprise reveal. I’ll rely on HGTV’s makeup pros to add the finishing touches. Last, but not least, remember, let’s keep it “soft-focus” please.
On a serious note, I hope you know, 4dewdrops, that our thoughts are with you. Perhaps, in the smallest way, that will provide a little extra strength to carry you through to the light that always waits for us when the storm-clouds inevitably pass.
BrendaLoo- good for your husband! It is so rewarding to teach swimming. It is something that saves lives. And so many nonswimers have a general fear of water. It is beautiful to see them overcome it.
I want it to be march already so we know that we did or did not win. Anybody else going nuts without the ability to enter daily?
BrendaLoo with red hair (asian husband..right?) He sounds like a doll….great teachers are something to be treasured and they should all be paid more…they shape the children for the future and our survival depends on the work they do…I once spoke to a basketball player (pro…can’t remember name!) who had a program reaching kids in inner cities and stressed the importance of helping their self esteem and helping them get the boost they needed…the kicker was that it was important to do that at an earlier age than originally thought …like 5 or 6…and how is that done….very difficult. I know this is a problem that isn’t solved overnight…but we all need to be aware of the importance of excellent teachers for these and all children…it makes all the difference…If just one person reaches out to one child,,,,doing anything…sending books….a day out to a new place…a new dress ….ad infinitum….we could change the world for many children….I love dogs and animals in general…if we took care of the children and cared about them as much as our pets..we would be on the right track. There’s never enough…or too much that one can do. I have a childrens store in L.A. and we bring clothing to various places in poorer areas in town (they vary from season to season) and the looks on their faces are worth their weight in gold. Ok…I am going on….but this is a passion for me…and I just wanted to be one small person to tell another….THANK YOU..TELL YOUR HUSBAND…THANK YOU FOR BEING THAT GUY.
Wouldn’t it be great if the person that won could sponsor a weekend in Sonoma for a small group of needy kids….talk about feeling good. Blue Skies liz from LA
Hello everyone,
Thanks for all of the really great pictures of your visit last Saturday. I wish I had been able to join you. Hopefully next time. If anyone is going to the DH or wants to please say so and when. It looked like you had a lot of fun! Lovelykitty, you mentioned you might go again?
If memory serves me correctly (that’s a scary thought), when the winner that was out to dinner with his large family was “ambushed”, he or his son already knew he was a finalist. They must contact you ahead of time. Don’t they say they will know the winner by March 3? DBCoop, have you made arrangements for that?
What else do we know about this process, if anything?
BrendaLoo – we need more good teachers like your husband!
4dewdrops – my thoughts and prayers are with you.
JandVs mom – I do hope your Little Bits gets better soon.
Marie Miller – bless you for your hair donation. My mom is almost a 2 year survivor of breast cancer and my sister is closing in on an 11 year survivor. It was very touching to me that you are such a generous soul.
Take care and best wishes to all.
Good Morning all
4dewdrops,
am praying for you and your family the lord will direct you and those with the ability to help your precious child
Your presence is a gift to the world,
you’re unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be -
Take it one day at a time.
Count your blessings, not your troubles,
and you’ll make it through what comes along.
Within you are so many answers,
Understand, have courage, be strong
Nothing wastes more energy than worrying -
The longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets.
Don’t take things too seriously -
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
Remember that a little love goes a long way -
Remember that a lot goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment,
Life’s treasures are people… together.
Have health and hope and happiness,
take the time to wish on a star.
And don’t ever forget for even a day…
How very special You are
Well am off to the nursing home again most of the wonderful people there have no family that visit so they truly need smiles and affection. Have a beautiful day
Wow, thank you so much for all of the well wishes, thoughts and prayers. I’m just smiling right now thinking of all my internet friends sending me great big *hugs* from all over this great country of ours. How awesome is that?
I’m still dreamin’ that’s for sure! And if I don’t win, I sure do hope that one of our fabulous bloggers does!!
Still can’t wait to see how the selection process works, and how HGTV sets up the “ambush”.
lifeisgoodatgrandmas–that’s beautiful, thanks for sharing
4dewdrops–Forgot to tell you I’ve said a prayer for your situation. We know quite a few autistic children. I’ve had them in my class (when I was teaching), the boy across the street is autistic, there are two in our cub-scout group…and we might have a nephew who is on the spectrum…waiting to find out. Anyway, SO much can be done with early intervention. The boy across the street is wonderful, top of his class, makes friends, is an excellent baseball player…. Just wanted to give you some good news, that when it’s diagnosed early, great things can happen. But, I’m still sorry for your worry. I have three young children and I know how trying that can be at times, let alone adding complications into the mix. CYBER HUG
terri-thanks for the kind words
Lily-beth– yes, my husband’s Vietnamese, and thank YOU for giving out clothing to people who need it in LA, I’m sure you make their day!!
Kat, so right, swimming is so important, especially in southern ca with all the pools, beaches, etc.
DBCOOP- tell LA Unified they need to pay more, He, He. My husband says he gets paid enough, however. We’re rich compared to most of his students. And we get that doctors and lawyers got to school longer, so that’s why the higher pay, I guess (well that and not being paid by the government). But, just think, if American made teaching a more competitive gig, more schooling, high salary–wow, our children would be even more blessed. The teaching profession would get more of the best of the best.
Better get to the morning drill…bye all… be back tonight.
It’s getting closer!!!! OH,and whoever posted the pic of the inside of the guestroom closet on here, in their album, thanks!!
I forgot who is was, but I was curious about that. I’ve looked at all the albums and pics posted. So fun!!
This may be a dumb question but is there a public swimming pool?
Hello Fellow Bloggers:
Our time is winding down to the winner of the HGTVDH. I am excited to see who the big winner will be. Maybe one of our fellow bloggers. I looked at the pics and they were nice. It actually gave a real feel of the home. I didn’t know that the home didn’t have grass in the yard. Oh my God, I dreamed about this house. What a coincidence. I am getting excited. I wonder when are we going to know how the ambush takes place. How will the HGTV team know where to ambush the winner? Does anyone know? Interested to know. Happy Dreamming!
What a beautiful house! I love the “Sippin in Sonoma”. My dad has a cousin who is part owner in Stag’s Leap in Nappa Valley. What a great way to get the wine drinkers together for a family gathering. I am so excited to see the ambush! It is my favorite part of the giveaways! I the look on the winner’s face. I can’t imagine this dream coming true! The wrap around porch got me at hello! Good luck to everyone! Dreams can come true!
Any Jobs in Sonoma? Cal. I’ll need one to pay the Taxes.(If I win that is)
I CAN’T WAIT!!!! I HOPE IT’S MY FAMILY! =)
WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO WIN FOR YEARS.
THIS HOME IS SOOO AMAZING AND PERFECT IN EVERYWAY! AND IN ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE. HOPE TO SEE YOU AT MY DOOR!!!
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!
I hope to see them at My front door here on the other coast.
I am sure they are just re-seeding or more than likely resodding the front lawn at the Dream Home…Natch they will want it to look “top drawer” for the special show….these people are on the ball…I bet every little flower that drooped or didn’t make it through the rain with be replaced…Nature does what nature does but you can be sure the grass will be there by now… or very soon…THE FOLKS AT HGTV DO NOT LEAVE A STONE UNTURNED…I’M TELLING ALL MY FRIENDS AND FACEBOOK BUDDIES TO WATCH THE BIG “REVEAL’ SO AT THE VERY LEAST THEY WILL GET WHY I WAS SO OBSESSED ABOUT SENDING IN MY ENTRIES. DB I’M WITH YOU DARLING… JUST IN CASE….CUTTING CALORIES…MAKING SURE MY ROOTS ARE TOUCHED UP AND WALKING THAT EXTRA MILE….I DRINK MY OWN MIX OF COFFEE BEANS IN THE A.M. SO I WILL BE DULY CAFFEINATED…..THEREBY VERY UP AND EXCITED…WELL, IS THERE A WORD IN THE ENGLISH VOCABULARY THAT COULD ACCURATELY DEFINE THAT EMOTION…..OF WINNING…I GET SOME PEOPLE ARE QUIETYLY IN SHOCK…..WE’RE (OUR SWEDISH/IRISH) CLAN ARE JUST THE OPPOSITE…I WOULD LIKE SOME PATRON ON ICE IN MY LIMO…..JUST TO TAKE THE EDGE OFF..LOOKING FORWARD TO THE BIG CROWDS WAITING THERE FOR THE MOMENT YOU ENTER THE HOUSE,….WHO WOULDN’T LOVE THAT,,,CAMERA,LIGHTS, ACTION, IT’S ALL GOOD. WHAT DID GLORIA SWANSON SAY…MR. DE MILLE,,I AM READY FOR MY CLOSE-UP….BRING IT!!!!! LOVE TO YOU ALL…KEEP BLOGGING
Wow! I just woke up this morning and as I walked to my Master Bath to take a shower, I found my husband in the bathtub! Boy, he looked so handsome and so inviting. As I approached him, I realized that I was walking into a luxurious Master bath very much like the one in the Dream Home — shucks!! I woke up for reals — it was another dream of the Dream Home — when will my Dreams come true?
Coop: Once you arrive at your destination overseas, on or about March 3rd, you may want to keep your eyes peeled toward the sky as I believe HGTV will hire a plane to fly overhead with one of those ribbon tails that says, “Congratulations DB Coop!!” That should give you time to get back home for the TV Production on March 15th, however, I have to ask about the Tux..I thought we were agreeing on the “Tropic Splender” garb..you know, grass skirts & coconut accents!! Anyway, GOOD LUCK, and have a safe trip!!
Terri: Fantastic news that your mom & sister are breast cancer survivors. I participate in the “Relay for Life” every year with my doctor’s office being Team Leaders! It is such a rewarding participation & an amazing site with all the paper candles lit around the track where we walk! Congratulations to your mom & sister!
lifeisgoodatgrandmas: Loved your poem and thank you for beig an advocate for the aging! My mom and dad were both in a nursing homes before they passed on, & I have to admit, I am thankful for concerned people like yourself!!
Brendaloo: Thank you for the tip about watching the documentary “Born into Brothels!!” What a powerful clip! I really had no idea about children of prostitutes in Sonagachi, Calcutta’s red light district. Briski’s efforts to place the children in boarding schools, was without saying, dissappointing, but her efforts heroic. The way I feel is that the success of one child is a blessing. So, even though there is debate about the extent to which the documentary has improved the lives of the children featured in it, I feel it brought about a tremenous awareness!! I now look forward to following up on this documentary with the “Kids with Cameras” production. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, and yes, it made me cry too!!!
Okay, I think it is time for me to get serious and shake off the dust from my grass skirt & press my Hawaiian shirt, as time is drawing near…I want to be prepared for the secret party “someone” is going to throw in my honor for the HGTV Ambush! Really HGTV, it will be so simple for you to find me for the surprise announcement, and I guarantee you a thankful show would be in store for all to watch!! I AM DREAMING BIG & I AM SO READY!! My bags are packed and ready for the BIG SHOW!!!!
Ha, Marie Miller, the Tux outfit will consist of the shirt, red bowtie, and topcoat only, for the camera, while the grass skirt and bare feet will finish off the look for the “after ambush” party! Two looks for the price of one, and no time wasted changing in and out of costumes….
GREAT idea Coop! That will work! I guess my debut will have to be limited to my Hawiian Shirt & Grass Skirt (I’m dropping the coconut accents as I think it might be too cold here in Oregon)!!
Good Morning All,
4dewdrops, My heart truly goes out to you. I hope that you will be able to find all the resources available to you and your family. As for this not being the venue for sharing your feelings, I feel that this has become more than just a place for taking about the DH, but a close community of people who share all kinds hopes, dreams and things about themselves. I can’t tell you how many people have wished and prayed that my daughter, Bitts, would get well. She has been sick for a couple of weeks and I just talked about it on the side as to why I hadn’t been blogging as much. What she had started as a bad flu that turned into a lot of complications, nothing that time and antibiotics couldn’t fix. The out pouring of love that I felt from the people here was really amazing, I know that I will be praying for your son, your daughters, and you. It’s so hard sometimes, but so rewarding being a mom, If there is anything I can help you with, looking up sites, contacting agencies, I have about an hour a morning set aside for my computer time, Please let me know, I have a mother’s heart and am very good at figuring things out and making things happen. For now, I will keep praying, stand and believe, that your son will be healed, and all the people who can help you will just fall in your path.
My son didn’t talk till he was over 2 and I had had some other concerns about his development, when I brought him to the doctors (this was almost 20 years ago and autism wasn’t something that was as well known or, at the almost epidemic proportions as it seems to be today) they made feel that I was just an overly concerned mom and that I was over reacting, I was told that on the bell scale he was just a little behind, My heart told me different. He was never diagnosed with anything, but I know that it was a lot of love and extra attention to teaching him that made the difference. He is the apple of my eye, Bitts is the cherry on top:) God Bless your sweet baby boy, all your little dewdrops, and you!
Renee – no public pool =(
JandV’s Mom, You have a 20+ year old son?? I’m impressed! You and Brenda!! As the woman in the restaurant said of Meg Ryan in the movie, “I’ll have what she’s having”.
Monica Pederson will be the “Ambush” presenter. I am so glad because I just love her and her beautiful smile! She will handle it very well I am sure. Can hardly wait til the winner is chosen. Love reading everyones entries. Good luck and God Bless!
Thanks terri! That’s a bummer. My kids LOVE to swim.
Hello Ms. Gail!
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all your wonderful and great informative interviews and blog that shows and tells so many amazing details and answer so many good questions. I do have a question. Do you know anything about the schools in the area? I will like to know about the High schools and Jr. High in the school district the Dream Home is. And also I will like to know; Does the house has a security system?
Ms. Gail thank you so much for all your fun and nice idea of having this blog.
GREAT JOB!!!
Paula Gonzalez
i hope i won…but i am not even in the country right now…i am on vacation out of the country for a month…wont be back unitl march 21st..please email me if i won…so i can fly back..thanks
Jacqueline, just wanted to let you know that the Dream house is fully landscaped.
That picture you saw was in the early stages, before the tours started.
It has very beautiful front and back lawns.
Terri, I don’t think I will be going on any more tours of the Dream Home. But if I am in the area when you decide to go, I would love to meet you
.
Good Morning All
Bonnie B, I don’t know what to put on what page anymore…. But thank you for the compliment, Most of my friends are grandmothers and my closest friend (who is actually a little younger than me) has grandchildren years older than Bitts, I had Bitts at 42 and I was more geared up to be a grandmother ( but not until I find a wife for my son, A family joke-I know I had told to lovelykitty at dinner ) I wish I had had more time to spend with you, We must do it again soon.
Amazing to read through these blogs. Such camaraderie and fun. So I too would like to join in the spirit of hope and aspiration to be California Dreamin’ of an exquisite Dream Home! And of course … after I and my family win it … come by and visit awhile we’ll sit on the porch and sip a sangria. Ahhh so beautiful. see you there! Love to all – oh yes and good luck my the biggest heart win! Tami
oops – missing the “a” in may…
so forgive me to state it once again taking time to word it correctly.
“Good Luck and May the Kindest Heart Win!”
see you soon,
Tami
Hi everybody and good luck!!! like everyone else and cannot wait. I have four children and my husband and I both work and have a very crazy life as you can imagine, but I still have time for HGTV. The house is an absolute dream. Thanks for all that HGTV does.
I think there has been a mistake made about this video. The “Super Fan takes the Tour” is a new video, but it was put in with Fan talks to Monica area.
Really good video Gail. Hope we keep it up so others can see it.
Going to keep pushing this video up because I think it is really new, even though they have it with the Super Fan talks to Monica video. At least I hadn’t seen it.
Laila…how was your tour?? Hope you didn’t get rained out. Can’t wait to hear what you thought of the Dream House up close and personal
. Did you find out about the storage for the vacume cleaner?
HGTV,
I love the way you guys continuously add something new to whet our appetities and keep us dreaming! This is like a never-ending feast! Scrumdillyumptous!
My card is at the Dream Home waiting to be opened by the winner. I wanted to be the first blogger to add to the winner’s joy, even if I’m the winner.
2009 Dream Home winner, enjoy a new beginning! Whoever would have thought that March 3, 2009 would be one of the most significant days in your life?
I do not know how you pick the winner, this is so hard, I saved a copy of all the pics of my home to my computer so I look at it daily, I love this home so much, I dream of sleeping in the master bdrm with the beautiful drapes on all four corners, if someone is disabled you do not hold this against them do you? I have not seen any regulations on how you pick the family, I am just so inlove with this home, I want to sit on a rocking chair on the country porch, while my husband cuts the grass, I have never won anything not even a penny, but maybe I can win a home and live in fairly warm weather which is the #1 thing that helps my disability, I suffer from a rare disability, but please do not hold this against me, since this happened to me all my dreams went away of ever being able to buy a home this is my chance, I know everyone feels the same, but I have grown so fond of this place and the people seem so nice, I will keep praying, is there a way you can tell us how you pick the family? I am in love with this home from head to toe to every french door to the staircase, woodfloors, kitchen, fireplace, furniture and the most beautiful bathrooms I have ever ever seen in my life, being stuck inside all the time this is one place I could never get sick of, put a pool in the back yard then I am in heaven the rest of my life
HGTV,
To all HGTV our sincere Thanks for all your effort bringing happiness to viewers and fans like us. You give HOPE to viewers like us specially during our economic crisis happening now adays.
Me, my 11 yrs. old son & my 8 yrs. old daughter really enjoy watching your program everyday. It gives us hope everyday when we started joining your contest for Dream Home. We only started last year for Dream Home 2008 since that’s the only time we able to buy our own computer. And this year Dream Home 2009, my daughter everyday asked me if I enter in the HGTV’s Dream Home 2009 and she always sit with me while entering in our computer. She always watching Dream Home Tour Video and pause it when its on the kids room and started dreaming where and what to put in that room.
HGTV’s Dream Home 2009 is really everbody’s dream. Every room, every corner, its garden & backyard, the interior, the design, everything it’s gorgeous, elegant, charming & relaxing. My congratulation to all who did their parts & roles in building HGTV’s Dream Home 2009, you deserved all the credits.
To all who join the HGTV’s Dream Home 2009, GOODLUCK to all of us!
BoBo and I are so happy that our video-blog
with Gail is FINALLY on this blog…but why is it here on the Feb.20th site,when it is brand new today(March 6)??? Oh well…I just hope all of BoBo’s blogging buddies can find his debut. Ingrid from Sonoma
Ingrid & BoBo – congrats! You both look great!!! I wish I was there with you…rain and all!
Gail – thank you so much for providing these videos. I love it! Love it! And, your enthusiam only makes me want this Dream Home even more. Keep them coming!
Still keeping the dream alive!
Ingrid amd BoBo…how cool to see you two on the video!!!
You both look GREAT!! And BoBo looks so sweet in that Doggie Dream House
.
Life is GOOD!!
Janic, the drawing is totally random. Your being disable has nothing to do with it.
The winner of the Lake Lure house was disabled, and HGTV did everthing to accommodate him.
You’re right Lovelykitty…Life IS Good !
Let’s hope the winner of the DH will agree when they move into their new home. Will they let Bo visit the doggie-DH ?
Ingrid from Sonoma
Hello,
I’m nervous about this but can’t wait to see who wins. I know it won’t be me. Good luck to who ever wins and enjoy every moment of you new home!
Hi everyone GOOD luck and Prayers to everyone. If i win i would be happy . If someone else wins ill be happy for them because sometimes the person that wins might be someone that needs it the most and there are more houses so don’t stress out. I have been through very hard times the worst time was when my mom passed away on October 14 2004 and that’s when it was my birthday. It was herd to get over that. But not winning the house means that there’s something much better on your way. GOD BLESS AND GOOD LOOK TO ME AND YOU!!!
P.S. did we have to send an envelope ?? or we can just enter through the computer?
Because i saw that video and it showed a lot of envelopes. Well good luck everyone !!!
Ok. I love this! The people who won seem so awesome. I would have loved to live in the Dream Home and entered at least 4 times a week but it just wasn’t in the stars. HOWEVER, I’m a big SIMS fan. I play the game all of the time. My favorite part of the game is building the houses and constructing the yards. I built this dream home in my SIM game, colors and furniture the works! Now I can visit the “Dream Home” any time I want. I live in it too. lol It’s not the real deal but it will do for now. Congratulations to the winners and thank you HGTV for the opportunity!
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