Mar
2
Our Mega Fan?
Gail is our Super Fan, for sure, but did you know we’ve recently discovered a Mega Fan? Kate Seaman from New Jersey gave her bedroom a complete makeover in the spirit of the HGTV Dream Home 2009 master bedroom! Check out our exclusive interview with this creative HGTV fan and find out how she pulled off the look for less.
 Bedroom Before |
 Bedroom After |
I do believe that it is very kind that people would donate money to help the person that wins the house. To respond to others who disapprove….after they pay the taxes, etc. they will not be millionair any longer. I do believe that the reason of donating money was so the person can live in the house because most people aren’t rich before winning the house and it would be nice to see someone live in the house for once. I believe that those who do give will be blessed because they are being so loving. We are here to treat others as we would like to be treated and to love our neighbors. I know that if people do chose to not to give to the winner, that the winner will live in the house. I love how so many people are selfish and so giving. It is good to know that there are some good people still on the earth that are willing to lay themselves down to help someone else out. I feel that if you decide not to give you should not discourage others or make bad comments on someone who decides to do good. May God bless us all.
*millionaire*….sorry I forgot the “E”.
I love how so many people are NOT selfish and loving. Sorry again.
As far as the $5 gift to the winner, I’ve already mailed my congratulatory card. I chose to give $5 whether they need it or not b/c that’s how I wanted to show my support.
Even though I can’t attend the SIS party unless I win, I choose to offer suggestions because that’s my contribution to those who will attend. Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with it.
Collegemom,
Regarding taxes, people’s jobs or whatever, it doesn’t bother me because I feel people are doing what they choose to do. This blog is definitely better than a whole lot of stuff. So I chill and enjoy the blog and bloggers, even the ones I may not agree with.
Good Afternoon everyone. I was thinking about doing a rollcall but looks like most of us are on. Lol. Okay here goes all who are present please raise your hand. I don’t want to worry that one of us got the news and has fainted. Please all drink a glass of oj just in case.
Of, course I hope that it won’t be necessary as I too would truly love to call this house my home.
Thank you the shout out 4dewdrops. I survived another noreaster. Add injury to insult they had to shut off the gas for a couple of hours this morning at work to install the new backup generator burrr. Well I guess we have to trade off sometimes
Thank you Laila for the info of your tour. I hope you had a very good time and recover fast from your travel.
Ok Marie, Can I assume that you really really want this house? Just let me know if it works please so that I can try it for the next one.
The best of luck to all my fellow bloggers.
Keep smiling and dream big!
Smiling and dreaming big in cold and crispy
Massachusetts,
Cynthia Newland
p.s I almost spelled may name wrong for the uptenth time. Does that count double Marie?
MLuciana, we have this dicussion every year. So many people on these boards are very giving, and I include myself and Brenda in that group. I would not give anyone who wants to donat to the winner a hard time, just as I think people who choose not to should be given a hard time.
I have no problem sending a dollar with a card to the winner, but know that is not going to help the person be able to keep the house. Do the math.
The DH05 winner told us that to just keep up the electric bills was more then they could afford. So many other cost comes alone with keeping the DH. And sorry, I forgot the e in millionaire
.
Marie Miller, I think no one make as many typo’s here as I do. But I just let it pass and hope you all know what I really mean
.
So, I happened to have to travel outside of US because my mom fell suddenly ill. Does that mean, I won’t get the house because I can’t be there for the big surprise? Wouldn’t it be a bummer to actually be so lucky and win it and than have to forgo it because life just happened to be out of my hands right now? How does it work Gail with the winner not being able to be at home on the day of surprise visit?
Oops, the above should read my name not may and is it upteenth? Yes, lovelykitty there are a few of us with the typonese condition and I think we are understood
And to think my job includes verifying data entry for the 7 branchs of my bank 
Well once I reach home it mysteriously vanishes. See what I mean? The banks don’t vanish, just my attention to detail. Oh, how I wish I could be with you all at the celebration. I know it will be very lively.
Marie, I hope you are smiling, you know I am just teasing. Good luck my friend.
Cynthia Newland.
Keepon Dreamin’ – They try for five days to get in-touch with the winner… according to the rules
I am quite sure this has already been addressed, so I am sorry for the repetition – but: does this home have central air conditioning? Just curious. If so, where is the outdoor unit that does the job? Thanks and God Bless Us all! Good Luck!
I would love to know how many people entered the Dream home giveaway and when they call your phone number and you don’t answer, do they leave a message or do you loose your chance. What if you are sitting on the toilet? Ha ha
The excitement and anticipation is just killing me! I can’t wait until it’s over. That way, I could either move into my new Sonoma house or just move on with my life…at least all of this anxiety will be gone, right?
I think it would be best if we are going to send the blessed winner money, that we send it directly to the house. This way, it’s out of reach of Uncle Sam and it goes directly to the Winner. Maybe I’m wrong; maybe it’s not the best idea. Just how I feel. Yea, that’s what I’ll do…send money to the house.
Well it is almost 6 pm here in AK and still no camera crew
Oh well, still hoping! I got over excited earlier because my fiance called me and said, “come home” with a smile in his voice and thought that maybe they showed up already… but.. nope lol
I hope we get a video tomorrow about the process of picking a winner, I still want to know how it is done.
JANDV’s MOM: Hope you made your appointment on time. I’ll keep looking for the SIS info. My friend’s mother lives in Sonoma and his girlfriend was surprised to find out how much I know about Sonoma now! I hope you girls had a wonderful time that day you all met. I was so disappointed when I couldn’t go. God bless you all. I have to admit I said a little extra prayer for ‘little bits’ mom to win.
Come on HGTV I’ll be waiting art the door for you.
LOVELY KITTY.. good to see you still hanging in there
I joined the typo gang!
Jennifer~
The house actually has 2 different control zones, one for downstairs and one for upstairs. Knowing HGTV, the outside unit(s) are well concealed behind shrubbery.
Hi, I’m so glad that I waited until after work to read the posts after the last one I wrote. Let me say the important things, first. Katherine, how is your Dad? Hope he’s still recovering. Victoria, I didn’t know you had the flu, I just got over it myself, so I can empathize and I’m glad that you’re back on the blog. I shared the lovely pictures you took of the tour, again. Hi to my girls, (Lovelykitty, JandVsmom, Jenny D, Bonnie B, Ingrid) again and to the kind and gracious Marie Miller. Rhonda Priest, I’m sorry to hear you’re on restrictions – I missed my prayer partner. Mary and Gail, thanks for working so hard, it’s almost over. Bobo, you might be getting that doggie dream home, I promised in just a few weeks!
I realize that in the frenzy of dreaming big, some comments are made which appear to sound “unfriendly”, but, Sara, you know absolutely NOTHING about me and just because I said that I seriously doubt if anyone is going to be donating money to a millionaire, doesn’t make me cruel or selfish. As a matter-of-fact, my husband believes that I tend to be a “softie”, because I do donate to many charities and food pantries which I believe to be worthwhile organizations. As a nurse, my life’s passion is to care FOR people.
If you read carefully, you may note that I am not the only one with this opinion, and I was just agreeing with a previous blogger. No one thus far has donated to the winner of ANY HGTV Dream Home, so that they can keep the home and it will take MANY thousands of $5.00 donations to pay off the taxes on this house. But, that is the option the winner has – to pay the taxes, get a loan or to sell the home. The option other people have (if they so choose) is to donate or not to donate, I would choose not to donate. I would wish them well and be excited and even do a happy dance, if it’s one of the regular bloggers, especially the ones I’ve met (and dancing at the SISBP, regardless of who wins), but the bottom line is, just as you are, aren’t I entitled to have my own uncensored opinion? Let me repeat something that I said on this blog, yesterday: “We joke, we laugh, we make fun of each other, we share ideas, we disagree sometimes, but we share a common dream”. I guess I should have added that we respect each other’s differences, just as I respect yours.
MLuciano, I have also not encouraged ANY of you not to donate to whomever the winner might be. It’s your money, you guys can do whatever you want with your hard-earned money. In fact, I even gave you a website to donate to, LOL.
By the way, thank you, Lovelykitty, I think you’re sweet , too and you HAVE met me
Well put Brenda.
Sara- You also have to look at it from many perspectives.. I will probably send a note with a dollar in it. But it seems kind of silly for a family of three who lives on less than 20,000 a year to send somebody who became a millionaire (and probably wont keep the house anyways) a bigger chunk of money.
More important is the act and sentiment of saying congrats.
Hi every one! Whew!,Finally finished the great read, and feeling a little antsy too!
I’m one of those people who have nothing, and still hoping and praying there is a way to live my dream. This home isn’t that huge that you couldn’t conserve energy, and maybe downsizing some of the lawn, as to not consume so much water. I think if theres a will theres a way,and i’ll try my hardest to stay. And knowing people are willing to fullfill that for some deserving person is a selfless act of human kindness. And if it isn’t me , I’m still chipping in.
Hoping that the hgtv people are looking over the winner, and hasn’t yet called. But I’m still waiting, and not giving up hope.
And isn’t the home 1.2 million and the rest is cars and furnishing? I’m not clear on that one?
Have a wonderfull night, and hugs to all!
o.k. its late and no one is knocking on my door. Maybe they can’t read the address on the house ( wishful thinking!) and are driving aimlessly around town.
Wow! Kate you did a awesome job with that room! It looks great! I’m inspired to try it myself with a bit of a twist!
Good luck everyone!
Brenda…I have always enjoyed your blogs and KNOW you have a warm and giving heart.
(after all,you’re the ONLY person that has
given BoBo the doggie-DH!) Also, I’m with you…the person that wins this DH is amazingly lucky already and doesn’t need a dollar here and a dollar there. Just sell the house if you can’t afford it, and you’ll still have a BIG chunk of change to put in your bank account.(at least 1/2 million $)
I wonder who the winner is? I hope it’s a blogger! Ingrid from Sonoma
Janet D- The home is worth approx. 1.8 million with 200,000 in furnishings (more than most homes are worth in my area!) and then a 50,000 acadia on top of that… Course with this housing market and the state of financial affairs in CA I hope they will adjust the market value of the house before the person is taxed on it…
By my thoughts, if we haven’t heard something by tomorrow, it was not us, is that correct Gail? I would rather be disappointed sooner than later… Am I also correct in thinking that if we are the winners it would just be a phone call (since mail would not have reached us, and it would be a long flight just to give the initial congrats)? Come on Gail, give us some info!!!
I hope your silence today was because you were preparing us some fabulous long blog about the selection and winner contact process that we will get to see today the 4th…
the furnishings are on top of the 1.8 number, not included
Hello fellow comadres and compadres,
Just checking in to keep up the head count!
Thanks Cynthia for your concern – I’m the designated driver as I rented the car, so I’m still tired, but that’s okay as I’ll be here till the 10th and we’ll be heading back down south tomorrow afternoon and I’ll have ample time to rest before I have to return to my frigid home on the 10th. Am loving this California weather, even though it’s been raining since we arrived up here in Concord, but of course it stopped for our tour.
I too would absolutely love to win this home, or actually for my mom to win it as I want it for her. Particularly after seeing what a wonderful and detailed job the HGTV team did on it – just perfect.
I will send my $5 to the winner as soon as I know who it is, just to make sure to address it personally so that they actually can receive it.
I am a certified stenomask court reporter and my work is mostly done at home on my computer, which allows me time to check in, though I try to keep it to twice a day and I usually only post once, or I wouldn’t get any work done! You need a lot of self-discipline to work at home and I’m such a dreamer, I have to force myself to keep at it and stop drooling over the Dream Home in Sonoma!
Well good night all, I guess all we can do now is wait.
Keeping the dream alive!
Kat, it is still too soon for thr winner to be picked. Now I am speaking fro what other winner’s or their family members have told us on the Dream Home message board….but they pick the NAME today, but have to first find out the personsinfoemation to be able to ambuse them.
You are not notified by phone. They find out were and when you work or if you do work. They will enlist other people to help surprise you, so it takes some time to plan things out.
You will know if it is you, at least by the 15th
.
Talk about typo’s
.
Brenda, I didn’t know you were a nurse too. I think we have several nurses here, besides you and Bonnie B.
I am still so excited from meeting you ladies. I feel that I have just made new friends
. And Rhonda Priest, we did miss you. Look foward to seeing you at the SISBP.
Ingrid, I hope you and BoBo will be at the Dream House when they present it to the winner, so you can give us the 411 about it.
Laila, glad you had a nice tour. Was there a lot of people who turned out for the last tour? Sorry it is raining so much while you are here, but I am sure you have heard how we really need it.
Is it just me or are there white vehicles every where???
The lights are out, the curtains drawn, only one light on each side of the garage stays lit, waiting for… me. (**)
Not that Brenda needs any defending but since I’ve been on this blog, I’ve always found her to be a very kind and caring person.
I heard watching some of the previous winners videos, that the man who was out to dinner with the large group of people when he was “ambushed’, that his son already knew his dad was a finalist.
I think as a finalist that you have to complete the paper work and get it back to them within five days. I wonder if there are multiple finalists?
Any other thoughts or input?
Good luck to everyone and God bless.
No, his son came on the message board, and he said that he was contacted by HGTV about his father being the finalist. But they didn’t tell the son that the father was really the winner.
There is no paperwork to be completed until after you are announced the winner.
They just needed the son help get the father somewhere where he could be ambushed.
His son came on several times. He knew his father was not going to keep the house because his father had just moved to be close to his son.
Hi lovelykitty – If they pick your name, why would there also be other finalists? Have previous winners explained this on the message boards?
I would love to be the winner on my bday march 4th
So it sounds like there really is an element of surprise to the winner, since they don’t get a phone call or have to sign papers beforehand…..?
Karyn – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Wouldn’t it be a hoot if you did win! Keep your fingers and toes crossed.
lovelykitty – I was referring to Robert Oneill Sr., 2007 DH winner. I got the info from the HGTV site about half the way through. They said that his son knew his dad was “a” finalist, They didn’t mention whether they told him dad was “the” winner.
http://www.hgtv.com/dream-home/dream-home-videos/index.html If you talked with his son on the message boards, them I’m sure your information is more accurate.
My by…
Wow!! Amazing, it looks exactly the same. You did a great job!
This is Jessica from the early posts, as I see there is also another jessica here now. just wanted to say Im also a nurse i see theres a few of us here!! glad everyone picked up on sending the $5 instead of one . so excited!!!!!!
Coop: You have probably by now set foot on Thailand…how are you…jet-lag no doubt! Rise and shine & do your thing!! Don’t forget to write in your journal every day!! We miss you!!
lovelykitty: Thank you for joining Cynthia Newland and I in the “Tyop Club of America!!” We don’t feel so alone now! You have such great information, especially like reading your words about styles of “Ambush!!”
Laila: Things have sure changed over the years involving how we work in the legal profession, haven’t they? Gosh, I remember as a legal secretary, typing Wills on a “non-correctible” typewriter..ouch!! One mistake, and I would have to start all-over again!! Am I ancient, or what??
Ingrid & Bobo: Just wanted you to know, if I win, Bobo is my number one candidate for the doggie DH!! Besides, I feel connected somehow with you since my little brother’s nickname as a child was “Bobo!!” Can you believe that?
Cynthia Newland: Yes! Yes!! I do want this dream home…SO MUCH!! I really, really want to live closer to my children and grandchildren! If you win it, maybe you would be gracious enough to invite me for a sleep-over…I would be a thankful guest, and would be happy to show you around Sebastopol..first stop…my daughter’s home, second stop, my son’s home!! We would have a great time walking around downtown Sebastopol!!!!
I’m sure everyone is holding their breath, just like me, in anticipation of the announcement of the DH2009 winner!! I keep watching for clues, anything that might come up as a hint that HGTV really did pick my name!! By the way, WHERE ARE YOU GAIL? We need some input from you!! Oh dear, I hear someone knocking on my front door….could it be???? Stay tuned……………
P.S. Yes, typo was spelled incorrectly on purpose!!!!
I am confused, but what’s new there. Why is there such excitement and enthusiasm to send the winners $5.00; for what?
Whether they choose to live in this house or not, they either all ready have the money to do so or have sold it and have the money, after selling, to live in something more rational they know they can afford.
In times of economic crisis, sending money to people who have won a ‘dream home’ seems the height of what!!!!
I have to wonder what people in other parts of the world and here in civil war, genocide, flooding, tornado destruction, etc. would think of a country where people send a family money when they choose to live in the lap of luxury.
While the United States has a different standard of living than most of the world, by anyone’s standard even here this house is luxurious and if a person chooses to live in it, don’t let them think they can do so with the ‘help’ of others after all they have received.
I would assume people are being generous and excited for the family that does win but let that be it, there are probably people in your own community who could use your help, such as the local food shelf, a single mother struggling, etc.; help them instead with your money.
I also have to wonder at the constant use of ‘family’ when referring to others who blog. Unless you have physically met these people and formed an attachment after that–you have absolutely no idea outside of what you are being told in print who these people are so to say they are a family is funny but sad too. We constantly warn our children about the internet and to be careful about what they post and who they chat with but the reminder is also relevant to anyone who uses the internet to chat with people. You do not know who you are talking to.
With all this being said, I would like to see these blogs return to the thread the commentator started and any personal information between bloggers done somewhere else and keep the blog about the dream house so anyone can participate.
thank you so much Musherguy!!!
I’m just so excited – I can’t wait to move in!! Good luck to us all, only a few more days til we find out who the luckiest person in America is! God Bless us all!
Hello Everyone
I just stumbled across this blog two days ago, and wish I had done so much earlier. You ladies seem like a great bunch!!!
I am just as anxious as you guys, but would have no hard feelings if I knew it went to someone like any of you. I love people who are not afraid to dream!!! I watched the video of last year’s winner…..and it really got to me. She did not look happy at all. People said that she knew ahead of time (hence the group of people at her house, the balloons and her open front door), and probably couldn’t fake being surprised…BUT COME ON!!!! I would be grinning and jumping up and down every single day of my life spent in this magical house!!!
I think HGTV would have deserved someone who could have put more enthusiasm and effort into her “performance”. It really really makes me hope that this year’s winner is more deserving!!
Good luck to all of you!!!!!!!
Good morning, Bloggers and other California dreamers ….another rainy day in sunny CA. Hey Collegemom. I enjoyed your post above. I would like to clarify that some of us have actually met some of the other bloggers, but I think that when people refer to the bloggers as a “family”, they mean it in the sense that people share life events, stories and well wishes. We dream, but we dream awake. Hey, that reminds me of two quotes who I don’t know who authored: “Hope is the dream of a soul awake.” And “ When you dream alone, with your eyes shut, asleep, that dream is an illusion. But when we dream together, sharing the same dream, awake and with our eyes wide open, then that dream becomes reality!” I’d like to think that we’re dreaming awake.
Have a great day everyone….will post much more (as usual) later.
I agree whole heartedly collegemom. Sending money to someone who won close to 2 million dollars (and poor little thing had to pay taxes on it) instead of your local food bank or church that’s trying feed needy families tonight isn’t a positive caring act, it’s selfish and senseless. But since most won’t follow through, it’s more humorous than anything.
Collegemom,
You amuse me. Why are you so angry by what others choose to do? According to you, “Unless you have physically met these people and formed an attachment after that–you have absolutely no idea outside of what you are being told in print who these people are so to say they are a family is funny but sad too,” you don’t know the hearts or minds of individual bloggers. So how can you give them a “Blog-lashing” for what they choose to do? They are not imposing their behavior on you, so why are you judging them?
I only know what I’ve read, not what these bloggers actually do. No one has shared their community service. That’s ok since this is a blog on the dream home.
However, if someone chooses to share other things, I have the option to read or not read what they have written without giving them a “blog lashing.”
Can’t wait to read your next post.
Lynn
Thank you so much for your words. I feel as though I am in the minority in my thinking here but I cannot get past the fact that in a country where so many people are hurting to send any money to a person or persons who choose to live in this house is not only humorous but incredibly sad.
Until I read the first post here about sending the winners money to help them, the thought never crossed my mind and probably would never have done so.
Are we so completely out of touch with reality that we cannot help those in our own families and communities before we even visit the idea of sending money for something like this. And before you say it, and I know some will, good for you who are helping your families and communities, send them the money you were thinking of sending this family. This family does not need it.
Ridiculous is all I can say!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am glad to hear that some of the bloggers have actually met so to continue writing to each other is great-but please try to email them personally instead of posting personal information that not everyone can respond to. This blog should be about the dream house and whenever possible the thread the commentator started.
Good Morning Bloggers, Hope everyone is hanging in there.STAY POSITIVE,DREAM BIG,FINGERS CROSSED, I,am so EXICITED,waiting with ANTICPATION. GOOD LUCK TO ALL. Have a great Day!!
I absolutely enjoy reading everyone’s blogs! Whether “personal” or regarding the Dream Home. I feel as though a blog made up of many many different idea, thoughts, dreams, experiences, etc…not just about the title of the blog. A blog becomes what WE (bloggers) make it. I agree with Lessie; we choose to read. If you don’t see the word “Dream Home”, then just skip over it until you see a blog with that word. Let’s not argue about petty things ya’ll! Let’s have FUN!