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.
DBCoop,
Would C. Everett Coop be considered a professional traveler? Just trying to use real people to get an idea of what you mean.
lovelykitty: It’s weird, ’cause last night my photos were accessible, now they are not!! But, I appreciate your instructions, so here we go again!!
http://images46.fotki.com/v1452/photos/7/1475487/7266802/2009022202-vi.jpg
Let’s see if this works…I’m a crazy girl this morning & not feeling in control..HELP!!
Okay lovelykitty: It looks like only one photo came up..not the whole album..NOW WHAT? Boy, I need a Fotki for Dummies Book!
Marie Miller,
Still couldn’t access your last two links. Only saw the one where you’re at the door. Mystery woman? No that doesn’t work. As one of the hostesses of SIS, people need to know who you are.
Am I seeing correctly? Does your hair extend past your knees? If so, you have some STRONG BONES! You go, girl!
Marie Miller,
Re: the picture of you at the front door, was there an album with that post too?
Good Morning!
Do we have a specific date in mind for the SISBP? If we can start with that then we can get a schedule of things to do. I am not sure how we would handle rsvp’s. Someone said that if we do it over the blog, we may have people just say they will be there and then not show up. They suggested a temporary P.O. Box. If they actually have to send a postcard it will be more of a commitment on their part. I am totally up to suggestions but I think that getting a date is the best place to start to get the ball really going.
Brenda- I know that was so funny. Indonesia! My mother had a blast that day and had no idea about blogging or what I was up to but she thought it was great.
I think it would be great to all get together in Sonoma and get the hubbies to come along this time. Lovely kitty’s husband can be the leader for the men. HA!
Special shout out to Bonnie B, lovely kitty, JandVs mom, Ingrid and a pat to BoBo. May you all have a DREAMY day! Can’t wait to see you all again!
Jenny D
Dear Lessie: What are you seeing in that photo? Actually, my hair use to extend past my knees, but 4 years ago I cut it off & sent my hair to “Locks for Love!!”
Now, please someone help me unlock my album? I’ve spent too much time trying to figure it out & know it has to be something simple that I’ve missed…LOVELYKITTY….where are you…I need your advice….AGAIN!!!
LovelyKitty: I just had a thought…would my album be automatically locked if I don’t permanently join that site?
Marie Miller- I wish I could help but I am not sure what you are trying to do. Are you trying to post an album for everyone to view? I saw the pic of the backyard with no grass as well as the one of you at the front door. I will go to the site and try and help but no promises because I have only tried to post individual pics, not albums.
Be back in a bit with some info. hopefully
Jenny D
MM- I think you can have people view your album only if you sign up. It’s free but I don’t know all of the specifics.
Here is a link to the info. you may be looking for.
Hope this helps.
Jenny D
http://help.fotki.com/404/
One of my co-workers won one of those home raffles in Dec. He had to choose the cash substitute of 1 million because of taxes and ended up with about 650,000 after taxes. He said the odds were much better than the DH (1 in 9,000 per entry vs 1 in 40,000,000 for the DH) but the ticket cost $150! It would be cool if the DH had a cash substitute option in the future so it would be easier for us to down size the dream if we can’t pay the taxes. It would need to be somewhat less than the value of the house to cover their cost of selling the house. Even if it’s sold it’ll be someone’s dream home!!
Thank you for trying to help JennyD: I guess I can try to post all photos individually…the photos are really not all that and a bag chips ’cause the only interest in them is they show what the DH2009 looked like before landscaping…those pictures posted by LovelyKitty are awesome & ever so complete! Loved, loved them!! Thanks again!!
Okay JennyD: One last effort of insanity..I moved all the photos into the original album I created. Let’s see if it worked: http://public.fotki.com/boltfans/dreamhome/
It worked!!! Yeah! Great pics. Now you can relax and have a cup of tea or something. Well done. You are funny and I love your enthusiasm.
Jenny
Hi Bloggers, I have read and enjoyed all the comments but have not responded until now. A very informative article is “A Winners Tale: Dream Home 2002 Giveaway” the winner in Milton O’Bryant. He gives a lot of good info. You can google it , I’m not sure how to attach it. Good luck to everyone!
Didn’t mean to confuse, Lessie. Travel is my avocation, that is, not something I get paid to do, just something that I love, besides my real work.
Kind of like that early ’60′s song by Dion called “The Wanderer”. Maybe I can explain it better with those lyrics, and some literary license:
“Oh well, I’m the type of guy who will never settle down,
where pretty sights are, well you know that I’m around.
I’m never in one place, I roam from town to town,
and when I find myself fallin’ for some special sight,
I hop right in some jet so fine and fly around the world,
’cause I’m a wanderer, yeah a wanderer.
I roam around around around around.”
“But when I win that Dream Home some really big, big night,
I’ll hop right in that car of mine, and drive around the Estates,
’cause I’ll no longer be a wanderer, no, no more a wanderer.
I’ll find myself in one place, the place I love the best,
No, no more a wanderer, nope, no wanderer,
I’ll stick around around around around.”
Does that clear it up for you?
Good Morning All,
I have a question for Marie M and Mr. DBCoop, I have been following the two of you talking about “clues” in the current DH09 that might lead us to the next location. This is the first year I had heard about the DH and entered the sweepstakes. I think it was DBCoop that mentioned you had it as close as the Russian River area, I enjoy reading yours and Marie’s input on nest years location.
What kind of clues do you look for, initials on vases, or in framed pictures, comments made during the interviews? I would really love to hear more about this. It was in the back of my mind on the tour, but honestly I was having so much fun talking with Brenda that I had forgot to ask our guide if he knew anything about it.
My husband’s Grandfather wrote mystery and detective books, as well as for a soap opera and my husband inherited a mind for sleuthing. I couldn’t get him as excited about the home as I am, but if there was something he could try to solve…He’d love that. I look forward to hearing more about this, as to get him on board too. Thank you, and I do hope that the two of you can make the SiSBP if and when it happens If you are both from this area, Napa and Sonoma, How could you resist?
Typo next years not nest
Marie Miller,
I thought you were joking until I went back and viewed your photos (BTW they’re great). I wear glasses, give a sista a break. When I first saw the picture, I thought it was a picture with your back to the camera. Now I see that you’re facing the camera. {Shadows, natural light and distance don’t exactly work for me without zoom lens.} I need close-ups!
You already know that you’re still a mystery to me b/c I didn’t see your face. But Lovelykitty said you’re cute so b/c she sees, I believe her!
DBCoop,
I know that song well. BUT if you win the home, it won’t keep you there. You’ve already given Marie Miller instructions for when the travel spirit hits.
Must be great to have a job that embraces and satisfies your traveling spirit.
Wow I am speechless on how beautiful it looks, I do have a very important question about winning the HGTV Dream Home 2009. I all of the other videos of people winning the dream houses they all seem to have guests over when they win, so do you find out earlier if you win? Also I have another question, will you have finalists this year? Thanks, Carley
I made a mistake , it was stagemom who predicted Russian River. Sorry bout that. Rereading over the last few days trying to catch up, Bitts is still home sick so I am days behind, on everything, not just the blog, everything else important as it is, its mundane, this is fun!
I hope that Jenny D and Lessie are thinking up all kinds of details. I had posted some of my ideas on the Feb 9, 550+ page, when loveykitty (Hi!) had said she didn’t want to cook and I made a list of all the other things that could be fun to do for the party, but that page was so long that I don’t have the time to go back right now to find it. I have to go be a mom now, that’s really my true love, nothing mundane about Bitts, she keeps me running, laughing, and very busy. Good day and God Bless
Hey, all you lovely people talking about your plans for the SISBP.
Have a heart for all us guys and gals who live out of the state of CA. Most of us could not afford to travel to the parties (unless we were the winner, and could host them).
Maybe HGTV (Mary) could set up two posts….One for the planners of the marvelous SISP and one for the bloggers who just want to hear more about the Dream Home.
This blog is so wonderful, thanks HGTV.
Jenny D: You look right at home behind that kitchen counter! Loved that pic!
Loved all the pics of the bloggers who got to meet each other! What a wonderful outting that was, wish I could have been there.
Marie Miller: Such great “before” pics of the DH09. Is it just me, or is that tree on the corner of the house different now…it was a hardwood of some kind and now it is a palm tree? Is there still a palm tree there? Personally, I prefer the hardwoods…much prettier for the seaons. I was so touched at your story about donating your hair to “locks of love”. A good friend of mine is a 6 year survivor of breast cancer and she got her wig from donated hair. That’s just so cool, you are the wo-man!
On a more somber note (and this will be brief as I know that this is not the venue), we just found out after a psych evals. that our 19 month old is exhibiting signs of autism. We have 6-year-old triplets who have varying disabilities, and this news really hit us hard. We are searching to find programs in our area to help him and “model” himself after peers of his age. He’s a sweet baby boy with some very good social skills and some not so good (eye contact is his weak point, along with no verbalization). Bottom line is…all is not lost and we are trying to keep it that way.
Boy, oh boy *sigh*…..maybe something good is coming our way? An HGTV ambush?! What an absolute blessing that would be.
Gail & Monica,
Love the SIS tablescape! Funny thing is, all the names on the chalkboards match names of my family members! how funny? I enjoyed the interview done by you gail! Keep the blogs comming! Best of luck everyone. and dont loose hope, keep faith! Sweet Dreams!
Jenny D: It makes total sense to blog about the SISBP on the Feb.16th post of “Blogger Party and More”. Good thinking 'cause I do have to agree with Katydid..we do need to have a heart for all the people living out of range and/or can't afford the travel expense.
DB Coop! I am a Kentucky girl Born & Raised! You missed one of the best points of the state. Dale Hollow (holla!) lake. Water so clear you can’t help but jump head first into. The homes sit up on cliffs overlooking the water. The lake borders KY & TN. The fishing is amazing but the peace and quite is even better
) Lexington is an amazing city, Louisville has everything you could ever want and there are tons of small wonderful towns that would make a great place for the next DH. We moved to TN (another great state!) but my blood still runs blue!
Hey JandV’sMom: About the guessing for next year’s Dream Home…well, mostly it is just a stab in the dark! I really like dreaming about certainly areas, and with HGTV, it is all about the dreaming!! So, for next year, I’m dreaming about a colonial type home & what better place to put one than in one of the original thirteen colonies! We need a patriotic base for a dream come true & I feel Viginia is as about American as it comes!! Beautiful place to build the next dream home! No clues yet…just wishful hunches my dear!!!
Coop: Were you singing in the shower again this morning…I loved your rendition of the “Wonderer” and could almost hear you singin it! And, yes that comes through as clear as mountain water!!
4dewdrops,
Praying for you and your family, Bitts and others. You’re not alone.
JandV’s mom,
I remember your post. The best way I think to handle that is ask cooking-challenged volunteers to bring DISPOSABLE paper products, napkins, cups, disposals forks, spoons, etc. Gently suggest that they buy in bulk (Sam’s, Costco, BJs). To make it even simpler, ask them to send a donation to cover these products when they mail in their RSVP. Then you guys will not only know the count but exactly what’s needed.
Jenny D,
Why not set a date about 4-6 weeks after the winner tours the house on April 16th. If you planning committee guys happened to be there when the winner tours, you could ask if they’re interested in attending the SIS party. If the answer is yes, you can ask them to be on the committee. If no, you can make your plans accordingly. It’s a win-win deal.
Hi to all,
Well, this is my first post, but I’ve been reading and watching all these months. It’s been so fun to feel the energy of everyone on the blog. Since I live in Sonoma, I almost feel like I’m eavesdropping on dreams from all over the country, and that I have a secret key to the Dream House!
I am dreaming big just as you all are, and I’ve had the great fortune to drive by the house many times. I walk by it and dream of walking in the front door with my husband, calling it home, inviting all our friends over for the first big dinner. I can’t wait to cook our first meal in that killer kitchen!
Just wanted to pipe in my gratitude for all Gail’s “insider scoops” that she’s provided. What a gem you are, Gail! Can’t wait to meet you in person and will surely invite you to our first big dinner… looking forward to sippin’ in Sonoma with you (and all our winemaker friends!).
Blessings!
JoAnn
I would love to help ya-all ladys with the SISPB, Coop your so funny!!! DREAM BIG, Dream Dream. STAY POSTIVE.GoodLuck To All
SIS Planning Committee,
You’re going to have more and more vols as the party gets nearer. I’d suggest that you form sub-committees (leaders reporting to you) for set-up, clean-up, nametags, hot food, cold food, games (children and adults), chairs, tables, etc. That way everyone enjoys the party, even after sippin’ for a while.
Since these are vols who haven’t met or worked together, have a back-up plan too.
Lessie- Love you ideas and thank you. I take it you will be attending, that would be great, I look forward to meeting you. We will get the date set first and then get all the other logistics underway. Keep your ideas coming. This will be a great time with wonderful new friends!
Tamara- I am looking forward to meeting you. If you have any ideas that you would like to share, please send them.
I’ve got to run to my son’s school now so, until then, keep DREAMING BIG, they will be contacting one of you very soon.
Jenny D
El Dorado Hills, CA
About the SISP — don’t forget to get that blogger that wrote that she could film this blogger party! I have a very good idea about some songs to be played especially at the end – Louis Armstrong – “It’s A Wonderful World” – imagine as we are toasting, laughing, sharing, pets & children playing near the doggie house while that music is playing.
Jenny D,
I won’t be attending the SIS party unless I win b/c I’m too far away. My contribution is sharing suggestions with the planning committee.
JandV’s mom,
At one point you were concerned about contacting the media. It’s wayyyyy too early for that. They should be contacted much closer to the party date.
There’s a blogger who is a college student majoring in PR. She knows how to do a media blitz. If she’s attending the party, this will be a great opportunity for her.
Katherine,
Are you volunteering to be on the “entertainment committee?” Your suggestions are good.
I think the hosts and hostesses should be in charge of the toasts b/c I definitely wouldn’t trust just anyone with a live mic or give them ten seconds in front of a live audience.
BTW: will there be a sound system for the hosts and hostesses to use? What about a dj? They can always use his equipment for 30 seconds.
Marie Miller-sorry I wasn’t on earlier, but glad JennyD led you to do it right!!
.
Great pictures, and glad I wasn’t the only one that noticed the tree. 4dewdrops is right. There is now a palm tree in that corner.
.
I am able to zoom in on your picture, so I can see you at the door better
4dewdrops, I am so sorry about the challengs you are facing. Even though I know your baby has your heart, it is still hard to imagin having a child with any type of disability. My thoughs are with you and your family.
Leslie, I wish you lived closer. You are such a party planner. Thank you for helping us plan the party from where you are
. You have great ideals. I agree that we should wait a bit after the winner is announced. And I liked the date you posted earlier.
JennyD is very helpful and is use to organizing events, so I will be glad to let her instrut me as to help get this party off the ground.
Tamara, we would love to have you help with the planning also
and would love to meet you.
http://images47.fotki.com/v1455/fileOJa8/8eef8/7/1475487/7265683/2009013001.jpg
Marie Miller-you are so cute. This close-up looks like you are actually putting the key in the door.
lovelykitty: You have posted two good, clear pictures of your gathering in Sonoma. The second one, I think it was Brenda’s, would you be so kind as to identify all the beautiful people. I know Ingrid & BoBo, But I’m now confused as to who has long hair, is a young looking grandma, has her mother with her, etc. And is there is a difference between Bonnie and Bonnie B?. You are a beautiful person, and I thank you if you can help me out here.
Keep the dream alive.
lovelykitty: You never know, I just might have been doing that…you never know what Ms. Miller is up to!! Thanks for giving everyone an up-close view of all my best attributes…ugh! Anyway, it was wonderful being in Sonoma that day & look forward to many, many more. DREAMING BIG!
4dewdrops: You were absolutely right. There is a palm tree in that corner now, and I have to agree with you about Hardwoods!! It was hard giving up my hair, but I felt great about giving it up for a good cause! I’m use to my short hair now & thankful I could help someone else in a small way. I am concerned that you just found out that your 19 month old is exhibiting signs of autism. I know that your plate is full already having the 6-year-old triplets who have varying disabilities! I already have you on my prayer list, and hope that you find a program in your area to help him!! I can only imagine what a darling baby boy he is even with his limitations! I will reiterate what I have already said, I really, really hope you are the winner of the DH2009!! That exposure alone would put you on the page for the best programs, etc. YOU SO DESERVE IT!!
To all my beloved party planners: Do we actually know when HGTV will film the winner of the DH2009 in Sonoma? I know it happens fast after the “ambush”, but I was thinking that would be a great day to have the SISBP!
This question is to our beautiful “Super Fan” GAIL!! Do you believe you could ask the HGTV crew if the “whole SISBP gang” could be present at the time the winner is handed the key at the DH2009? Or, do they limit the audience to just family and friends? Of course we are secretly hoping that one of the SISBP members will be the winner…’cause we have a party to celebrate!!
Okay, how about using the Blogger Party post sight to talk about the SISBP? From now on I will post anything pertaining to the party planning in that section.
Are ya with me ladies? lovely kitty, Bonnie B, Jandvs mom, Brenda, Tamara and Lessie. I am sure that I have forgotten someone, sorry.
Jenny D
Just to clarify on my last email, I will blog about the SISBP on the Feb.16th post of “Blogger Party and More”.
I may make a mistake once in awhile and forget and keep posting on the most recent active blog but I will try to keep it separate.
Jenny D
EDH, CA
Absolutely, I agree.
Jenny D
Hey bloggers,
We might be seeing a taping from Ledson’s home. Today about 3:00 they had an area on his front porch set up. It had a big silver screen set up with lights. In front of the house they also had three plain white vans and a plain white medium size truck. On the back side there was a white Ledson Hotel van too. Hmm?
Hope we get to find out what is going on. Thanks for the heads up Terri.
Kathydid, so sorry about taking over the blogs with all the SIS party planning. JenneyD’s advice is a good one. But it would be so wonderful if you and some of the out of towners could come too
.
Haven’t seen you around as much Kathydid.
In the picture from Brenda’s camera, with BoBo in it. With the long beautiful hair, that is JandV’Mom…next to her is me…then BonnieB(yes, there is two Bonnie’s) next is JennyD..siting down is Ingrid holding sweet BoBo…and next to her is JennyV’s Mother and at the end is our very youthful looking Brenda.
http://images45.fotki.com/v1450/photos/7/1239747/7265803/P2211164-vi.jpg
She sent me two pictures, but this one is just beautiful with the hotel lobby in the background and BoBo actually looking at the camera.
Jenny D,
Posting on the Feb 16, “Blogger Party and More” site is great. Will do that.
This is the second picture that Brenda sent me.
http://images46.fotki.com/v1445/photos/7/1239747/7265803/P2211165-vi.jpg
Looks almost the same, but I liked the lighting in the other one.
She has a real nice camera.
Hi, Super Fan
Although this is the first time I post a comment, I have enjoyed reading and getting information from all the postings. It makes this experience even more enjoyable. I can’t wait to find out how the winner is selected. I do have a suggestion for next year’s dream home, just incase I don’t win this years. Since HGTV honors and stimulates our creativity, I believe that it would only make sense to have a craft/hobby room where the winner can express his or her creativity. I would love to see something like that added to the decor of the future HGTV Dream Home. Thanks, can’t wait to find out if I am the winner.
Norma
Nice to see the pic. That one’s great lovelykitty.
I don’t mind hearing about the party plans, as I still have just a tiny bit of hope we might win and be able to go
Near impossible doesn’t mean impossible.
I feel a little silly about the things I don’t know about the dream house and area. I’ve never really explored northern CA, but I’ve been to San Fran once and Yosemite twice. Oh, and I’ve been to Lodi. All were beautiful in their own way.
Anyway, last night, after seeing the pics, and when the house was asleep (love that time of the night), I researched the Ledson family and found out about where the money from the tours goes, the building of the house, their history etc. You’ll have to remember I don’t have HGTV or sound on the computer, so I’m kind of the dark besides this blog and the 360 tours.
Had no idea their cause is kids and education. That’s just the icing on the cake!! I didn’t know this when I posted about the “Born in the Brothels” documentary film. Feel a little silly now, but I’m still going to help that cause.
So, I thought I’d share one last thing that touched me today. My husband teaches middle school kids History in south central LA. He works year-round, LOVES his job, and I know I’m bragging, but he was born for this purpose. The kids respect him, he’s brought up test scores for the History dept., and he’s SO ethusiastic (this will be his 10th year). Kids even come back to visit him all the time, and when they do he takes them out to lunch.
So, today (his first day off his History track–since this is year round school) he’s filling in for a new program that teaches the inner city kids to swim. He said it was SO much fun.
But, here’s what touched me the most.
85% of these kids can’t swim at ALL. Remember this is 13 and 14 year olds. They wore shorts and t-shirts instead of bathing suits to swim in, since they don’t own them. But that didn’t matter to them. The kids had a BALL!! I hope they all learn to swim in the next few weeks.
Hope you don’t mind I just keep sharing things that will help us keep our minds off how much we WANT this house
Just keeping things in perspective.
Goodnight All!!
4dewdrops: My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. In these hard times it is difficult to raise children, and you are doing it times 4. I will also pray that you find all the resources you and your family need. : )
4dewdrops I’m sorry to read that your youngest may have autism. You are probably already aware of this program because of your triplets but just thought I might mention it in case you have not. Most likely there is a county Infant and Toddlers program in your area which can provide evaluations for your child as well as in-home physical, occupational or speech therapy free of charge if a disablity is identified. It is good that you are aware of this now as interventions are more effective with younger children. You also might want to check out a parent support group.
Sounds like the the Sipping in Sonoma Party is going to be a lot of fun. Too bad I’m on the east coast. It would have been fun to see the house and the Sonoma area. Last year we went on vacation to the keys I got a lovely view of the driveway of the dreamhome. It was too early for tours. Figures. Well there is always next year.
It is too late for this year but I wonder if HGTV would consider a mini festival to celebrate the dreamhome and the community in which the dreamhome is located in cooperation with regional business, dreamhome sponsors and the local tourism office. I think it would be a lot of fun for people and would highlight HGTV, its sponsors, and the community. I don’t know how difficult that would be logistically.