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.
I love the videos, and it is nice getting two treats in a row, but when are the promised details of the selection process coming?? I love dreaming, but the longer I dream, the more crushed I will be when I don't win…
Thank you Gail, Monica all the tablescapes are Great I love them all. But my Favorite one is (SIS) Sippen in Sonoma. Good Luck To All, Stay POSITIVE ,DREAM BIG Dream. Dream.
Gail…I loved your interview with the beautiful Monica Pederson(she was sooo friendly when I met her at the DH). There was a brief clip of the Sebastiani Winery in your video; that's where my daughter had her wedding reception in 2002. The Barrel Room was the most elegant setting for an amazing
dinner and party!!! Ingrid from Sonoma
I voted for the Sippin in Sonoma tablescape too. Thank you for that Gail and Monica for that clip!
Jenny D
Dear Ms. Monica: I actually liked all three designs but you really “hit the nail on the head” with your “Sippin’ in Sonoma Party” tablescape. I think it is perfect! Absolutely love your designs.
God Bless!
Hey bloggers and other California dreamers! Oh my goodness! I can’t believe that Gail honored my request to interview Monica Pedersen. Thank you, thank you. Thank you. Although, my favorite design didn’t get picked — it was the french design, I am fond of all the designs. Keep the interviews coming, Gail.
I’d like to be zippin’ up to the Dream Home today so I could be sippin’ in Sonoma tomorrow—but the reality is, the work has got to be done before I slip away to play, so take good care of my home in the meantime, HGTV—not too many footprints on that beautiful wood flooring, no messy fingerprints on all of those striking silestone quartz countertops in the kitchen, and MOST of all, no soap ring around that great Master Bedroom Bathtub!
Of course, thanks to Super Fan Gail for the friendly chat, and to designer Monica Pedersen for her sharp tablescapes, especially the one dearest to our little blogging hearts, “Sippin’ In Sonoma.” Cheers!
Hi Gail,
I love the Job That Monica did, Her choices are all great considering the occasion at which they will be used. It really is the perfect picture of an outdoor space, great indeed. I love the way the Sonoma Theme was introduced in the design planning. I love all three looks but I must say that the French is captivating and is my favorite.
Monica I really love what you’ve done!!
Hi Bloggers, Happy Friday.
One love
Esla Sinclair
Hey… Monica-You did an outstanding job-
To be honest with you-I am having entry withdrawals today because was so much part of my life to dream about Sonoma sipping with my husband & two dogs-had already planned to put up fence & doggie door & moving in. Really had a hard time today-BUT-will look forward to lucky winner (still hope that it is me) but will be happy for whomever gets to live out their dream & be selected for the most beautiful place in the world… We lived in Ca. in 70′s & moved back to Ok. in mid-80′s-still miss Ca. & would love to be back where we belong…
Thanks for all you do & love you…
Mary Gwinn
The dream home is beautiful. I can’t wait for the drawing I really hope it’s me (sorry everybody). All this time I gave, gave, and gave to everyone who needed help. I’m defintely a giving person, so hopefully it’s my turn to get something in return. I took the tour and it was amazing and I could see me living there with my husband and 2 girls. I pray every night that something good will happen to me and maybe this is it. This would be a dream come true. My husband and I have been struggling for years and we need something wonderful to happen to us to bring our spirits back up. I think it is awsome that they build this house to raffle off to someone special. Thanks to all the people involved and good luck to everyone who has entered.
I agree with most regarding the “Sippin in Sonoma” design, although the French one was a nice look too. The “Sippin” arrangement has nice rich colors and big pillows that “popped” out…love it!
Hi Monica,
I watched you, Clive, Terry (blonde girl), Taniya and a whole host on the 35 tips to “Design to Sell,” tonight. The tips were informative but I sold my house in 2008. Your so pretty. My favorite table scape was the Eifel Tower one but they were all grand. If I win I’ll move to Sonoma and job transfer
Maybe, they will surprise us and give us all three designs! Good luck to everyone!!!
DB Coop, welcome back and aloha! We missed you. Now that the contest has ended, I think it would be kind of fun if we revealed ourselves. It’s kind of funny how you get a mental image of the bloggers yet we don’t really know your age, your occupation, your home state or city, etc. C’mon, you know what I’m talking about. I will miss the blogs as much as I’ll miss the daily registration. Oh, by the way, Scotch-Brite is giving away a Smart car and the contest ends on Halloween. So, if you’re still in the mood, enter daily!Take care and hopefully one of us will win the DH.
Thank you Gail, once again, for keeping in touch with us bloggers.
I really liked the French table setting but I think the Sippin in Sonoma is just perfect, both for the environment and ambiance – great work Monica!
I’m still hoping to get down there and go on the tour on the last day, not sure if it’s going to work out or not, but if I don’t I’ll certainly forward our tour fees to the Harmony Foundation.
Thanks again and to all the bloggers – keep those fingers and toes crossed and keep the dream alive!
Can’t stop thinking about the DH!
I put this on another page but wanted to find all you ladies going tomorrow, Jenny I am planning on getting to Sonoma about 11 am, Don’t have to be at the hotel till noon Would love to stop by and visit with you and your mom, and Bonnie b and maybe lovelykitty at the resturaunt for a drink..
I hope that Brenda contacts me, I don’t know where in the north bay she is but you can get to Somona from Petaluma too if she’s south of me – and calistoga if she’s north, I’m going 12 thru Santa Rosa
= Brenda, we want you there! Also, I haven’t had a mom’s day off since Bitts was born 5 years ago, and before that….. I don’t remember having a mom’s day off, If I went anywhere it was always with the kids or hubby,(except grocery shopping), What should I wear, are we going casual (jeans?) or decked out (Jeans with pearls;)
This is from before…
Jenny D are you still here> I’m trying to read from most current back, what a lot of new stuff!
Brenda, Are you in Somona or Marin Co, If you are I can get you, My tour id 12:30 need to be there by noon, I don’t know how to do this and not let everyone know your address but post tonight or EARLY tomorrow morning and we can figure it out. If your’e not going cause you don’t like to drive in the rain, I can relate to that…Let me know
it’s 8:30pm now and I will be reading all these new posts for at least an hour or so, I’ve made dinner and everyones asleep except my son who won’t get home till 10pm, We are staying up tonight to watch the last Conan show till June,, It’s always been the only time we get to with hang together.
I’m going to put this on the 2 19th pages as well as the newest one, I can’t read all of them tonight, I had just started to catch up this morning and I leave for the day (with my son) and WOW!
Please let me know if anything changes by tomorrow or if anyone see a current post from Brenda I will go to this page in the morning for any new info for “the best day ever” If you have kids and let them watch SpongeBob you’ll get that…
Well, BZ, since you asked; I’m a Napa, CA native, currently live in CA (no longer in Napa), I’m no spring chicken, but not yet senior citizen status, and am a professional traveler, beginning in my teens. Other than that, I’m just an ordinary blogger with a curious mind who enjoys everything that life has to offer, including the chance to win the 2009 Dream Home. Sonoma, in my opinion, is a slice of heaven, and I’d be pleased to spend several months out the year living there. The rest of the time I’d have to let Marie Miller be the resident dreamer, and have complete authority to divvy out time to fellow bloggers as she sees fit.
Any further questions may be directed to our Chief Blogging Officer, Mary, who may answer, or not, as she sees fit (since HGTV knows so much more about us than we know about them!)
“No mystery is more profound than the very beginnings of our own existence.” (Quote by DBCoop)
The warm yellow light of the flickering candles dances on the face of the one I love. Smiling, we stare into each others eyes and raise our glass to yet another toast to such a blessing – this – our new life together with the new 2009 HGTV Dream Home.
Already I can envision my wife and I enjoying a romantic meal outside our new dream home in wonderful southern California.
The appointments that fill and surround this wonderful, life changing prize are so much like what my wife and I believe would have picked out that we feel as if the home was designed special for us.
In such times of economic uncertainty it becomes even more exciting to dream big.
It is our prayer that the fortunate one who will be blessed with such a gift is as excited as my wife and I. We are so excited that faithfully we have logged on and entered daily.
We envisioned such a home for us to raise our future family, along side our little terrier mix, Emma. We believe this dream home would transform our collective life, an answer to prayer.
Thanks to everyone who loves this home – may it go to someone equally thrilled.
Well for the interest of foil and contrast:
I am obviously female, I am 21 and a college student. I am married to a marine vet and have a beautiful 9 month old baby girl.
I am bright eyed and bushy tailed with the glow of youth that has everything to do with expectations of a bright future and nothing to do with the weight of reality.
Just here hoping to get a jump start for my family’s future. Lord willing we will have a long and prosperous one…
I want to know how to sign up for design on a dime.com?
Lovelykitty, Ingrid, Jandvsmom. I'm in Solano county. Since I wasn't able to contact JandVsmom, Maybe I can try mapquest since I'm not really sure of the route. what's the plan (I need timelines)? Restaurant? Hotel? Tour? And yes, I hate driving in the rain. Help!
What an Awesome Patio; I am Dreaming how I’d be hanging out on the Patio Deck, sippin’ wine, looking over the Gardens— and all the Natural Vibrant colors of nature that come alive—Life wouldn’t get any better!!!!
I Loved the Chalkboard!!! Maybe a Great Idea and Location for the SISBP? Of course, I would Love to be the winner, but I really hope that the winner posts their Cell Phone No. and E-Mail Address, so that the SISBP will happen!
Diana
I'll try Mapquest. If I secure that last tour ticket for 12:30 . I'll see you on the tour. Don't know the name of the restaurant you guys are meeting at. I am probably a shorter, thinner version of Lovelykitty. Wearing jeans, purple top and big smile.
Thanks what an awesome place to have parties. I loved all three table designs.
My Prayers go out to the Winner of the HGTV Dream Home
2009 In Sonoma California that it will be the right fit for
you and your family. God Bless YOU and Congratulations.
What a wonderful place for FUN. there is toooooooo much worry these days. May the winner be blessed with ever lasting , peace and JOY. you all have done a superior job. I have enjoyed the dreaming and all the blogs. Thank you all.
WOW! GAIL! I can’t leave the computer for very long ’cause you come up with a wonderful new video just like that!
This one is GREAT, so thank you dear Super Fan for the informative & friendly chat with designer Monica Pedersen! It is my understanding that being hired by HGTV was a dream come true for Monica, and she is thrilled to be part of the HGTV family. What I love about Ms. Pedersen is that she incorporates what she calls her “fabric obsession” into most of her designs. Her outdoor themes around wine are fantastic, but have to admit the one I voted for is still my dream one…could it be ’cause it was the one that came closest to our blogging friends’ party, “Sippin’ In Sonoma.” So much space out on the patio to be celebrated by all. I invision all we bloggers sitting around on all those big pillows, enjoying a glass of Sebastiani wine…every classic grape variety grows in Sonoma County, so how can we not enjoy an afternoon & evening like that? The history of Sebastiani Vineyards dates back to 1825. Can you believe that?
Coop: I guess you would be thrilled to win the DH2009 & move back to the Napa Valley? You may not be a spring chicken, but you seem to “cut the mustard” like a coquelet!!! How interesting that you are a professional traveler…my dream job!! How did you get into that in your teens? Just curious! By the way, you are not just an ordinary blogger ’cause you my dear are the leader of the pack!! Your curious mind gives way to the rest of us to enjoy…thank you!!! Thank you for the authority as a “resident dreamer” to answer questions! I can’t think of a better way to spend my “idol” time!!!
I absolutely love your quote!! You are a man of many mysteries, and we are happy to have you here in our “dream land!!”
“Our destiny is evolved by our dreaming!” Quote by Marie Miller
Good Morning All,
) I don’t know how long of a trip it is for you other ladies, maybe you have already left. I am bringing my camera and my list of questions, if anyone has a question I hadn’t thought of in the post I left yesterday morning, to ask on the tour, I will check back in a while to see. I feel asleep trying to read all the new posts last night, I do hope that we run into rhonda priest there. It would be so nice to meet you. I am so thrilled to be meeting some of the other blogger’s today, I hope it doesn’t start raining till later, I don’t like driving in the rain at night, but to take the tour and meet up with lovelykitty, JennyD and Bonnie B I would drive in any weather conditions,
It’s 8am and I’m don’t see anything here from Brenda
I’m going to have some coffee and get ready, probably head out about 9:30am (Hopefully) The news is saying rain in the north bay today, (again
Rhonda, if you would say a pray for all of us for a safe journey, that would be much appreciated. I wish more of you could join us, I look forward to meeting all of you at the SiSBP in a couple months.
Good luck and God Bless
JandVsmom. I am in Benicia (North Bay Area). Where can I meet you guys to follow you int Sonoma?
JandVsmom, it’s not 9:00 a.m. yet, will wait to hear from you.
Good Morning Bloogers,
I’m a semi-regular blog reader and virgin writer suffering from entry withdrawal like many of you. I had great idea for the SISBP that I just had to share. For me I’m not much of a hostess with the mostess kind of a girl, and it would make me nervous to host a large crowd of strangers, but if I win I’ll want to help you all realize that SISBP dream. My solution…I would ask Harmony Foundation if they would like to co-host a SISBP in my backyard as a fundraiser. We’d get Sonoma wineries to donate wine, Bobbie Flay to cater, and have a roaring good game of bocce ball. Of course a fundraiser means you’d have to pay to attend but the money will go to a good cause (not my tax bill – honest) Curious though…how much would people pay for good food, good wine, good new (in-person) friends and a good cause?
Hi Bloggers…BoBo and I will go the The Ledson Hotel around 1 today(Saturday)to see if we can say hi to our fellow DH Bloggers!
So far,the sun is out and the rain is no where to be found. I’m a tall woman with an adorable reddish/brown dog ! Who will we see at the hotel ? Ingrid from Sonoma
I’m SO jealous you guys get to meet and see the house. Please come back with great details and blogs. I would SO love to see the DH in person before it’s given away to someone. It would be fun!! But, I’m so happy to spend the day with my cutie-pie kids, so oh well. HAVE FUN!!!
Brenda, I was just getting ready to leave,, a little late … Are you there?
Yes, I’m here. I live in Benicia
There’s one tour seat left — for the 12:30 tour.
Attempt #2….I don’t think they liked the V word…
Good AFTERNOON Bloogers,
I’m a semi-regular blog reader and 1st-time writer suffering from entry withdrawal like many of you. I had great idea for the SISBP that I just had to share. For me I’m not much of a hostess with the mostess kind of a girl, and it would make me nervous to host a large crowd of strangers, but if I win I’ll want to help you all realize that SISBP dream. My solution…I would ask Harmony Foundation if they would like to co-host a SISBP in my backyard as a fundraiser. We’d get Sonoma wineries to donate wine, Bobbie Flay to cater, and have a roaring good game of bocce ball. Of course a fundraiser means you’d have to pay to attend but the money will go to a good cause (not my tax bill – honest) Curious though…how much would people pay for good food, good wine, good new (in-person) friends and a good cause?
Brenda, I’m coming from the other direction, I’m heading east and I think your coming west, Definitely go to map guest, I found out how to get to the hotel from there. I am sorry I didn’t check the site earlier I was going thru my whole closet trying to figure out what to wear:) I hope you can come!!!! my tour is at 12:30 and I will be there at noon. The other ladies are meeting at a restaurant for lunch at 11 or 11:30, Jenny D posted the name of the place yesterday/lastnight? We are all meeting up a little after 1pm at the hotel, Lovelykitty has a picture of herself linked so we can find her. I decided on wearing my lucky (goal weight) jeans and a black velvet top, I will be in either a burgundy wool coat, or if its raining my husbands leather jacket. I am bring a few changes of cloths incase it is a more formal affair:)
I so hope you can make it, If you are going to be there after 1pm Lovelykitty’s tour is at 2:30 so she’ll be at the hotel around 2pm and Jenny D’s tour is at 4pm I don’t know when Bonnie B’s is but she should have already hooked up with Jenny D and her mom for lunch.
If it starts to rain too heavy I might even find an inexpensive hotel to stay in, oh no, i didn’t pack for that…. I got to go, I will check back in 5 minutes as I’m walking out the door to see if you have responded
Oh, good, you are there, I don’t know if there is a space, but you can call, numbers on the site for tours, I just checked and I don’t have it written down… I should probably do that before I go I don’t know how many people they have going on each tour bus, but maybe someone might cancel because of the weather:)
I am so glad you can make it, The restaurant is posted somewhere, I don’t have time right now to look, I gotta go!!! Really hope to see you there, And you got the general itinerary of our day…? Right?
And if your coming from the Valleho (sp ?) area, it’s a pretty strait thru ride. I know when we have gone east to go to 880/580 we pass that way.
See ya there!
Ok, I’ll try through Vallejo. I reserved my ticket — pray that I don’t get lost. LOL.
Ms. Monica,
Just wanted to tell you I LOVE your work!! I can't wait to enjoy it!! Of course I think everyone has done a wonderful job, as always! You guys can come and decorate at my house anytime!
Good luck to you ladies touring the home today, I sure wish I could go. I pray none of you get lost or caught in the rain at night. Hope you have a wonderful day and please post your description of the Dream Home. I would love to visualize it as you describe it and let us know your favorite parts. Also, if you can please post pics.
Good luck ladies, hope to hear from you soon.
That table setting is astonishing and awesome!
I can totally envision the Bride & Groom sitting at that table for my “Sippin’ in Sonoma Wedding Reception” Happy Dreaming everyone!
The Dream Home is unbelievably gorgeous but an even more impressive job to me is what Monica does with $2000 on the Design to Sell program. I love her work and so impressed with what she and the crew do with such a small amount of money! Monica is my favorite although I love Lisa too!
I'm so glad some of you fellow dreamers/bloggers got a chance to meet F2F. and just a teeny bit jealous
Sounds like a wonderful time was had by all. Can't wait to hear what you each thought of the DH. (and see more pics). I too thought it was even more amazing in reality and also was struck by how different the colors are when you see them on the actual walls – more subtle and elegant very cozy, enveloping and inviting. The whole house felt to me like a tender hug.
DBCoop: Stupid question #133: what does a "professional traveler" do? Are you a tour operator? An airline pilot? Care to share?
I was in my youth a Pan Am flight attendant and Thailand was one of my very favorite places.
Love to all – Keep dreamin' til your dreams come true.
My fondest memories of growing up are of me at 3 and 4yrs in SONOMA.
There are pictures of me loving the dirt and the earthiness of such a beautiful place. My husband and I spent our one-year-anniversary there 10 years ago. I have been fantasizing since I saw the home, of winning it and raising my young daughter in a place that brought me such joy. Fantasized about my mother, who is nearing 70, quitting her job and living with us because, like so many, she cannot retire because she is upside down on her house. We would be close to my dad and step mom, who just survived lung cancer. It would change all of our lives in so many ways. I would do so much for the community that I love and have already committed to doing something charitable out of this, which I would announce if (when?) I win. 
I want it to be my home forever. I worked in wine years ago and would love to care for the mini vineyard in the back. My daughter says, “this is my hope of winning this house, because this is my dream for years”. 
She tells me to stop saying I hope that we win. She says we have already won because she sent out the positive energy. I sure hope she’s right. I don’t want to break her heart. She keeps telling EVERYONE that we are moving to Sonoma. 
Things are so challenging now and this would be that golden moment in a life of many, many struggles and challenges. It would be so full circle an experience. It would give my mother a much deserved break from a life that has not been without challenges. I pray, I hope and I sit with anticipation, and a sore wrist from writing so many entries. 
It is such an amazing home!
It would literally be a dream come true. My only fear of winning is that I may be over expressive.
Have a great weekend everyone.
PS: How do they incorporate the hand written entries for the sweepstakes? Thank you.
Super-Fan Gail…You missed a great opportunity to meet some of your fans/
bloggers in person today at The Ledson
Hotel! BoBo and I met a very lively group of women; Lovelykitty, Bonnie B.,Jenny D & her Mom,JandVs Mom,& Brenda ! All the women were charming and so enthusiastic about the DH
and this blog. It was a kick to meet these fellow bloggers…I’m just a novice(as is Bonnie B) but Lovelykitty is a seasoned veteran, with so much knowledge of the DHs,
past and present. We sat in The Ledson Hotel
(BoBo included !) and visited for about an hour. Photos were taken, so hopefully someone
computer-savvy can post them. I’m sure I’ll
see these same happy faces at our SIS party.
Gail,I know you’ll come to that event for sure. Happy Dreaming….Ingrid from Sonoma
PS…2Cherubs,you were right…we had a rain-free day. It’s coming tonight. Ingrid from Sonoma