Dec
3
Have You Voted Today?
I encourage you to vote up to ten times per day for the housewarming gift set we present to the winner of HGTV Dream Home 2011. Products are inspired by the location of this year’s home – lovely Stowe, Vermont. Once you’re done voting, enter for your chance to win an identical gift set.
Also, while I have your attention, take some time to click through our new and improved HGTV Dream Homes Past section. Now it’s easier than ever to find information about and photos of each year’s home. Can you believe we are celebrating 15 years of HGTV Dream Homes in 2011? Who knows, the coming year could change your life forever!
I admit it — this Dream Home gives me particular food cravings too. Along with chocolates (especially hot cocoa on cold winter days) I'm thinking of hot apple pie and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. But the craving that sticks with me the most is a stack of fresh-off-the-griddle hotcakes with melted butter and dripping with warm Vermont maple syrup.
…I think I know what I'm having for dinner tonight! ^_^
I am with you on that one Coop. Last season I must have gained ten pounds ogling the DH, and UO. This time around though, I have a new plan. if there is anything that anyone is craving, I can look at my griddle or off the griddle alterntive and I'll check my healthy desert or cuisine recipes. P.S. The one thing I cant replace is Ben and Jerry's though, ice cream is like gold and diamonds for me. aghg der lieber
Thank you Coop for all your help. And that apple pie with the ice cream on top sure sound good !
Can you hear this song being played on the DH baby grand piano? It is also Charlie Brown's Christmas theme song. Love the snow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12_wXpXPhKM&fe…
I have that song, I played it not that long ago. That's one of the most relaxing songs to sit and watch the snow fall by. I'll have to find it again
Hey Cams, I can just see you playing that on a Baby Grand up at the DH Stowe.
Hi Alicesoneysmom,
So beautiful. Thanks for up-lifting my day!
Hi Alice and Soney, The girls and I watched the video this morning. There is something about watching a snowfall that is so wonderful. Always makes you think of family, friends, a cozy fire, serene, warm thoughts of the holidays. Thanks for sharing.
This song is dedicated to all my friends out there. So much beautiful music coming from the DH in Stowe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJPgxEi2BM8&fe…
This one is very healing ali, and I put your Carol Burnett utube up on my desk top, that's just where this beauty is going.
Ali, you got me laughing and cryin with Carol King's You've Got a Friend. It's a must see
Alicesoneysmom,
Thank you for sharing the music ~ I love this one :O)
OK, I'm listening ot music this morning —–and this song reminded me of one of my favorite songs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b7qaSxuZUg
Since I'm getting an early start on a very busy day, I wanted to share some thoughts that have been rattling around in my head for the past few days. Being close to the holidays (instead of a glass of hot mulled apple cider, however), I'm going with a bit of a w(h)ine this morning….
So I'm asked, Have I Voted Today? Have I VOTED Today???? Sheesh — I've voted here and there, I've voted everywhere, I've voted day and night, every waking hour, 24/7, even when I'm sleeping (in my dreams), I'm breaking all voting records, and what do I get in return??? ONE daily Housewarming Gift entry…and, well, possibly a DH Housewarming Gift Set in return!
Okay, I feel better now. Back to voting….
And by the way, Happy Holidays fellow dreamers, and MARY and friends at HGTV.
Good morning, Somehow I thought we might have a sneak-peek pic of one space in the DH this morning. Oh, well I suppose we are still in the waiting game until the 20th. Patience, patience, as they say.
Patience? Patience is a statue, as the saying goes…or something to that effect. However, real, live breathing bloggers need constant attention, action and entertainment to feed their dreams and keep them at peak performance.
I'm sure MARY will give us a few interesting tidbits to keep us motivated until the big Dream Home reveal of 20th December. Otherwise, I may be reduced to either A: noshing on my mouse in frustration, or B: w(h)ining and gnashing my teeth in despair. Not a pretty visual.
I checked the other blogs and they are just "there". The GH blog hasn't changed in quite some time, and the UO blog has more or less evaporated.. The HGTV crew must be really, really busy wrapping up blogger presents for all of us. Oh, the anticipation of it all!
I did vote on two days so far…3 times. I see were all about in sync with choices. I always choose these housewarming gifts based upon my own actual uses of these products. Awesome, snowshoes for two in this great winter wonderland to go with the backpacks & outing gear. The rest I decided what I would do differently…the quilt a great reminder of importance of family. I love the glass cutting board as I would turn it into a awesome wall piece, with other family heirlooms. The house flag I would use it in my kitchen for family occasions, but the remainder of the year I would use all the wild, fun, colorful holiday flags to be gotten or made. Terrific Calphalon 12 piece…easy cleanup, low maint, & great durability with the wonderful newer use of glass lids vs not being able to see in. I'm loving the apple book with it's bounty of learning how to cook with apples exceptionally well. It's so easy, but it does take the need of knowledge 1st. The Paula Dean pie set is not much use for me other than as a cracker, meat & cheese tray with being acacia wood & too small. Well that's most of how I vote(d) & why as this site likes to know with it's marketing info it needs to keep active. I like purchases or gifts to work well & must be useful over just looking pretty.
Yes truly beautiful gifts!
Here you are my friend with your great knowledge, passion for everything HGTV and life in general. I love your personal experience comments and the "the how to" based on rolling up your sleeves with items you have at home. I think it is so important to get insight and feedback on the items for the winner. We all look forward to hearing from you on a frequent basis, and just wait till PFG starts writing poetry—you all are in for the biggest and memorable surprise. Love Janzee/formerly Janice Vegas
All of the items above have to go through a rigorous bloggers good seal of approval. It's so much fun to get our hands on them and eyeball them before giving them the housewarming stamp.
Ya know I think I'm in love with the theme of this place & it's lifestyle it would offer. It's perfect, it has wonderful attributes on all levels thruout this home to be offered a lucky winner all too soon. I adore the thought of being able to walk out my door in this awesome environment…go skiing, snowshoeing, or enjoy the wonderful outdoors activities just as it is with letting the greatness of the outdoors surround you often, if not daily. Yep, yep…it's cold too, but lots & lots to wear, take off, & learn all about for years & years while never being disappointed. Great place I think for easy access to most things in the NorthEast.
This is a wonderful challenge to the winner PFG and for those of us who have forgotten the cold the learning curve will be fun as long as the end of the evening is topped with a warm bath and a delicious cup of maple syrup in front of the HGTV crackling fire place.
I am impatiently waiting till the 20th to get to see the inside of the home. I knkow the website is going to be packed that day. Everyone is going to be there. lol
Hi funfordot, Merry Happy Christmas dear Blogging friend.
Good evening everybloggie!
The Main page new picture of the ski lodge all lighted up inside, and the snow all around…it just gives me goosebumps and a tingle up my spine !!! Awesome.
" Snow is a fallin' on Spruce Creek Ski Lodge, snow is a fallin' so deep,
Snow is a fallin' on Spruce Creek Ski Lodge, putting all the bears to sleep,
Putting all the bears to sleep…"
( My apologies to Raffi, for borrowing his melody from " Douglas Mountain" :O)
GoldieLocksBear
XO
It is a beautiful picture!
Vermont is such a beautiful place!!!! Ah, I love it!! I live in Vermont and would love to win this house!
Since I always back up my w(h)ining with action, and another glass, I have submitted a Comment and Suggestion to the HGTV powers-that-be in the following matter: for the Housewarming Gift voting ( and similar promotional giveaways) there should be a one vote, one entry rule, up to the maximum 10 daily.
If I knew I was getting another entry with each round of votes submitted, I'd certainly be more likely to vote the maximum 10 times daily in order to qualify for 10 entries. Makes sense to me, anyway. It will be interesting to see if a response is made, and if so, will it be generic or topic specific. To be continued….
So true! Right on! Early and often as the saying goes:-)
On that same note….. My competitive nature is coming back, Coop. So I have a few questions about your time of 4 minutes ?? seconds to vote 10 times. Were you using a laptop touch plate scroll or a regular mouse? Were most if not all your choices the items at the top? It's assumed you have the highest speed internet that's possible. Hmmm mine is pretty fast, but maybe not fast enough. So basically I'm thinking I'm going to have to upgrade my router, my internet, and get a separate mouse to ever beat your score. I may even plug directly into the cable internet, and talk myself into loving only the items at the top. I really only have 4 items that aren't at the top.
Whew, I had to go back and vote one more time in order to answer all of your questions, Cami. The answers are:
1. a regular mouse
2. 3 items at the top, 3 in the middle, and 4 at the bottom
3. I rarely use the laptop at home, or the casita desktop (which is directly wired into cable) and nearly always use the desktop in my study, which receives a boosted wireless signal
4. My 10 vote time comes in at just under 5 minutes, but is improving with practice
Most important of all, remember to choose your items after careful consideration, informed reflection, thorough research, earth-friendly factoring — and only then, finally, click the gift that looks the prettiest and is something you never knew you ever really needed, but darn it all, you want it just the same! It works for me all the time…Coop's quck path to guilt-free shopping!!!
the pages flip rapidly on my network, but what is the lag is all the advertisements that must fill in to make your choice and then move on to voting and flip page.
Also I minimize the screen to 75% so I don't have to scroll either otherwise I keep my screen at 150% for complete ease of use with this large screen I have. It all helps with the timeline, but still takes time for the loverly ads to fill in as they all have to come from other locations & has to do with their servers too as I understand it, not just my own. That's some of the webpages out there problems with all this tagged in stuff they fill it up with for making it cost effective, but you lose me as a consumer with slow responses.
Agreed…at this time, I don't see a point in me voting 10 times a day as the items that I am behind on are so far behind that my 10 votes won't matter.
So, as I was cutting extra limbs off of my freshly cut Christmas tree in order to be able to fit the tree stand on the bottom, I realized that despite my trying to be "green" in so many other aspects of my life that I definitely was not being green by killing a tree for my own pure enjoyment.
I don't know if a cut tree is eco friendly or not, but it sure smells good… I wouldn't consider a faux tree to be eco-friendly unless it's a good quality and you use it your entire life… Not likely. So your only other option would be a live planted tree, which isn't always practical and can end up dying anyway. Really the only cut tree that's truly eco friendly would be a tree thinned from a densely overcrowded forest.
I say enjoy your tree, it smells good and can be recycled. ; )
We are enjoying it…the trees here are a lot pokier (is that a word) than the West Coast ones as they are thick with branches…I miss my Washington state trees, but am still loving the look of this fresh tree.
Just a little item of info regarding freshly cut Christmas trees: it takes between 12-15 years for the average sapling to grow into that perfectly sized and shaped tree…more for larger trees of course.
Not the fastest start-up business to go into, but if you've got the time, nature does alot of the work for you,
Ok, but what's the word on the most eco-friendly option. Come on, you are the Wizard of Blog. You're the Go to Guy. I was counting on you to resolve this dilema. I won't have to worry about it this year, but I must know before Christmas 2011. ; )
No "clear-cut" answer on this one from me, Cami. This is a "mirror, mirror on the wall, which Christmas tree is the greenest of them all" issue. Kind of like the Green Home faux grass pros and cons — the final answer is about as clear as mud.
Being eco-friendly and politically correct at all times is not easy. Whether to faux or not to faux, that is a complex question. In this case, as far as I'm concerned anyway, it's up to you. If you like the tree-cutting experience (when and where possible), the smell of fresh pine, the real thing, I say go for it. If you don't care for the muss and fuss, potential fire hazard, and final cleanup, go for faux. Of course, there's also the potted tree solution. Probably the greenest of them all.
The energy cost of a faux tree is a one-time manufacturing cost, plus transportation to your point of purchase. Faux trees will generally last many years. If you go the fresh-cut tree route, then it's best to get to the nearest tree farm and do the selection, cutting and transport yourself. Besides, it's fun for adults and kids (usually!) If the trees are trucked in, often from a long distance, that's an energy cost — and not so eco-friendly…and it requires lots and lots of trucks to get all those trees delivered. And it requires the same routine year after year, along with the cost of disposal and/or burning of the now dead after-season tree (unless it is "chipped" and used as mulch or in another product.) Heading out into the forest to cut your own tree is another option, but that one is best left to folks who live in the more remote countryside…and some states do not allow, or at least discourage, that kind of do-it-yourself cutting. Of course, some folks own enough sustainable forest land that they can choose and cut a tree from their own property.
And so, your final answer, Cami, is… real or synthetic, friend or faux, the question is, which way to go? Make it easy on yourself, and choose the one that best fits your family's needs…and then just enjoy your beautifully decorated tree, and the holidays — guilt-free!
Love ya Coop!
I agree a faux tree can last a long time, now that they have kind of perfected the faux tree a bit more. When I bought my faux tree years ago it was pretty enough but I didn't know that having to straighten the limbs was going to be thing of the past. Now they have some pretty nice faux trees that don't require as much fuss. I haven't bought one of the fancier ones yet, 'cause I didn't like idea of disposing of my old one, and truly didn't know which way to go. I want and need more evergreens in my yard so I might go with a 4 ft. potted tree next year.
And technically, it is not an ecologically bad option per say in the fact that people farm them…we cut it down on a Christmas tree farm…which that is the same then as using the land for any other farming purpose. To Coop's point…yep, my older daughter counted the rings and she said that she is older than the tree because it had 10 rings and she'll be 11 next week.
This was supposed to appear as a comment to "Our Army Family". – I'm sorry to say that we have to have fake trees as my husband is allergic to pine needles. I do miss that smell but not stepping on the needles! I agree with Cami as to faux trees not being any more eco-friendly. They probably have to use 10 trees worth of engergy to create a fake one. If you go to a tree farm the trees are grown specifically for the Christmas season. You might actually be adding O2 to the air by buying your trees there as they would not have planted them if people weren't going to buy them. If you go out in the woods typically you are helping the wilderness by weeding out bigger trees to allow more light and air flow around the smaller ones. Mulch your tree after and it's all good. At least thats my take on it.
Thanks…I'm sure as Coop pointed out there are always pluses and minuses. I'm loving a real tree this year, but we will have to see what next year brings. Reality, we do have an old fake tree tucked away in the shed and that is going to be pulled out to do Christmas again when my husband comes back from deployment so that he can have a "Christmas" with us too.
Let your husband know that there is a family in Minnesota that wants to thank him and all the service men out there for their (and their families) sacrifice for our freedom. Godspeed.
Oops…thought I already responded to this, but it doesn't seem to appear. Thank you so for your kind thoughts.
Dearest Our Army in some ways certain areas of the forests, or Christmas Tree farms, the cutting down of a tree is a perfectly healthy way of encouraging new growth. Enjoy your tree, and have the beautiful Christmas. Put the concerns in a box for next year, now is the time to unravel the trim, bring out decorations and bathe your place in the light and spirit of Christmas.
It looks beautiful and the girls love it…so, that is the part that matters this year. I am trying to do a stress-free holiday season. We went to a gingerbread house building event last night and watched people getting frustrated as their houses wouldn't stand. When our walls wouldn't stand up, I told the girls, "Let's just make them candy postcards instead." That's what we did…we just had fun decorating them.
My Dearest Our Army Family, I tried to answer you earlier, but every time I got on, I starting tearing up when I read this post. What touched me, is the simplicity of your story, and the way you find the largest Disney things for the girls to do to have fun. You stand with courage, and support for your husband in Afghanistan, and emulate the importance of "shining" through the Christmas holidays, with all that you can share with your children, family and friends. You a pip my love- a brilliant beautiful woman with a fertile imagination, and a big zest and love for life. We love you darling, and wish you all the best through this season. On your site are there any local charities for gifts for the men and woman serving? Love Janice
I don't know that I have mentioned local charities for men and women serving except for the USO who gives to both soldiers serving overseas as well as the ones stateside. I haven't gotten a chance to write much lately as I have actually been volunteering a lot of hours…especially at the USO with their "adopt-a-child" program for which they are gathering Christmas presents for children of lower ranking military.
We did get a blow of bad news for the girls as we found out that my husband will be out (already is) on mission away from phones and so the girls won't get to even hear from him on Christmas or my older daughter's birthday.
The new picture is beautiful Isn't, it just gives you a warm feeling inside as if I was having a get together, and friends and family were coming over and the house is all lite up and ready to entertain ( oh boy I am so ready to see the inside of the house ) I am having day dreams in front of my computer.
Here in the Stowe DH the music just keeps on playing. Merry White Christmas everybody! http://vodpod.com/watch/2633107-il-divo-white-chr…
Merry Christmas to you and Soney——I'm guessing soney has all his wish list wrapped and tucked under the tree—-and he's curled up beside them draming dreams of sugar plum fairies. The girs are anxiously awaiting their turn at the list—–sooon. Hugs to Soney from the girls.
I noticed the main Dream Home Page has a new survey on your favorite Dream Home Location. Looks like Sonoma and Islomarada are the front runners. I wonder if the cooler temperatures in the country are making people long for warmer locations?
Warm weather has my vote.
I was thinking maybe it was the tax situation but Cali is not a tax friendly sort of place. Maybe you are on to something Ed (I know, there I go agreeing with you again. Kinda takes a ll the fun out of things, doesn't it LOL?!).
That's okay. It was bound to happen eventually. I am going to save this e-mail thogh! ^_^
I kust knew you would LOL!!! So, how bout those Beavers???
Too bad about the Beavers, but it is nice to see the Ducks going for a national championship!
Yeah, right, whatever…:-/
Die hard! ^_^ I am a Beaver fan, but now I can root for an Oregon team in the bowl game!
Fine. And just for the record, I voted for the Duck mascot… In case any of my U of O friends are on here…
Makes you wonder how the vote would sway if the poll was taken on the hottest day of the summer.
Alaska would be nice too! ^_^ My brother in law wants to move back up there. He misses the fishing.
How about Alaska right after Hawaii?
Sure Cami. Then I could have a summer home and a winter home! ^_^
I can understand that sentiment, Ed. After all, the fish come already frozen.
I never caught a frozen fish before. I wonder what kind of bait one would use and what kind of fight they would put up? ^_^
No need for bait to catch frozen fish, Ed. A rubber mallet and ice pick work fine…for chipping them out of the ice. Of course, they don't put up much of a fight, but you do have to watch out for flying ice chips, which is why goggles are recommended….
Now, fishing in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea off of Thailand is much easier. The fish are already half-baked, so they take a lot less time on the grill, and can be on your plate in the flash of a pan. Mmmm, I'll have a grilled red snapper please….
LOL! Henceforth…sushi, LOL!
Great logical theory and so love it either way. Too believable, but if I didn't know any better than I do. LOL
Great chuckles, thanks a good read. LOL
)
ha, Vermont is cold in the winter but BEAUTIFUL in the summer! SO excited!
Being a New England past Native I am aware of the weather there. I am old enough now that I can find beauty where the winters aren't so cold. ^_^
Thanks Georgie Eddie, Eden. My unofficial EdinOregon vote this year would be for Islomarada. I have been there,and the fishing is great, people are quiet and friendly, the sun is always shining, and folks are really islandy. You can go out on a peer into nothingness late at night, and breathe some great salt air. it's a great place to write and think.
You're welcom Gracie/Janice. I would prefer Islomarada or Sonoma. I like it warm. Just not sure if I can handle the Florida humidity anymore. Last time I visited my dad in October there, it was in the seventies but the humidity made it feel very uncomfortable. The fishing sounds good though. Maybe closer to the ocean would not be as bad?
Right on the ocean on the isle, is cooler, and you are a hop skip and a jump from the deep keys.
Awesome stuff! I really am surprised at all the offerings about with these sweepstakes here & other places as well. Seems like one goes right after another with several being developed coincidentally at the same time. Love how we get to vote & given options with what aspects a room/space might be enhance with. To keen to have any say at all with actual developments that are to be applied. Definitely being able to pull design away from the ultra boring modern approaches or someone's boring application that most often lack committment in a given space.
Just so I don't miss anything, I'm gonna jump on here and see what I have missed. Then heading out to work, THEN coming home to work. Jeez, I want some me time!! :S I do see though, at least I didn't miss a new thread. Yippee! Oh, and I voted!
YAY!
I just viewed the dream homes past archives. I adore the ones that have a great casual settings, mtn or water views, but great ease of use with extended family comforts inside plus out. Most importantly for me, is it economical, energy friendly, & what does the winner actually have to contend with plus the surrounding lots & area. Not sure, I like how suggested retail prices dictate your actual tax rate, but again, it's a freebie. The winner has to immediately assess & determine costs right away or lose the battle later. I think the DH in Lake Lure NC is awesome for several reasons. The floorplans of several others are good too, but the best is the giving of adequate family spaces, plus incorporating the costs to maintain it. This DH built in Stowe VT is very nice, but I hope it's not outrageous for the winner to keep with it's associative costs. If it's too steep to keep, don't wait, sell right away, so you can achieve the most out of this award vs anything less than dreamed.
One could always take the cash option. That would definitely make the tax options simpler.
You're so right, I forgot about that being a option.
However, what ever options are given to the winner. Hopefully, the actual winner is given time and a real opportunity to do their due diligence with actually being able to do a thorough review of "pro's & the con's required before they have to decide on which way is best with their situation.
So much to ponder with winning the ultimate gifts…
Your income, your tax returns, what do I do? What's best for us? Do I increase my taxable income for 1 year with the cash option as it requires taxes to be paid now or later? Do I take on the upkeep of the new expensive home with all it's attributes that will surely follow me? Whoa, the "'best thing to do" is & each winner has this each and everytime to figure out for themselves what are my "real" options?
Which unfortunately, I think on this one most people (while they would love to keep it) will have to take the cash option. I think maybe that is why I am not falling in love with this one so quick is because it is a little hard to dream of something that I know that I have no way of keeping (if the info of $30k a year property taxes that someone said a few months back is right)…whereas the other dream homes you could still dream as it could be possible to finagle the money around to possibly keep the home. Don't get me wrong…I would still love to win as I am sure I could come up with a dream home of my own with the cash option.
I very much understand what you are saying.
Yes, I agree with you. It's our due diligence on all matters that relate to all of the associative operating costs with maintaining a home from one year to the next…it's crucial info.
Even If 30K is relatively close or it's in that range for government property taxes a yr…It's makes it too impractical for multitudes of the winners that could win it. Thus, NOT economical in it's design build at all and unfairly teasing the winner. (House lots offered & given by developers are only given for free $$$$$$ advertisemt of such developmts & nothing is better than that)
It's a very important aspect in design build that associative costs/expenses of any home being developed and these "dreamhomes". My understanding is…most people in the USA with two incomes do not make over 100K a yr or after taxes? So, just saying…we're just talking, but shouldn't this be part of the design build structure as to what are the actual costs going to be?
You bring up another topic with me on this…& we home owners should speak up to "our elected officials". I hear & have seen with the media that it's brought up with our current govt to have our income taxes recalibrated once again to remove a home owners opportunity to claim the "interest payed out" annually on their home loan(s)?
Presently, if you earn XXK a yr, you can reduce your "taxable income" when you itemize your deductions and one of them is with your home loan interest you have paid out for the year when you carry a mortgage(s). (At one time up until the early eighties I recall, you could write off "all interest" paid out annually off of your "taxable income", but that opportunity was removed by govt elected officials)
I can see with this proposal of govt that the largest purchase in our lifetimes now not having much of values as they once did or do as of right now with this being removed? What do you think the result would be down the road with this change proposed?
Are we voting on what we really do want to occur? They do say…it's all in the voting?
Just a saying…if you want me to invest in our corporation, any "community" I choose to live in…shouldn't I have some kind of return/benefit for "investing" in it? Why would anyone invest into something without an economical return to be given for "like me", "the average homeowner"? Why would I invest in any community, I could become a gypsy or all too easy a vagabond or something other than carrying any permanent residence? As what is proposed affords "no tax benefits" to being a home owner? Hmmm? Why would I purchase a home then, or carry a mortgage then, if my tax rate is the same whether I do or don't? Yet my taxable income in much greater with this removed…wow…hmmm? Easier, to save with letting someone else own homes & I can see mortgage situations being worse off then current ordeals as I see this presently. I'd have to find a "new" strategy that can help relieve my "tax burdens" with living somewhere with economability foremost. Is that what we want for our direction & our children too with the removal of tax relief with this new proposal? That's me in how I see it today? Lots more to learn everyday…help me figure it out…but, that's what I hear presently. I don't think I see a better future for "OUR" nations company with this suggested move? I see long lasting & major faults with removing our people's "investments" in "our" communities, developmts, & productive lifestyles that assist us in "paying" our "taxes" when we "choose" to itemize our tax returns, when & if we can? Just a wittling away of benefits, taxes & death…they come to us all.
What is apparent when i look at the tracking of the votes is I do not share the same interests as a lot of my blogger friends because my items are running in the minority LOL! Seriously that everything plate is just beautiful!
Are you intimating there is something odd about you Debra? ^_^ I have about 6-7 entries in the majority.
Who me?! I guess my tastes are somewhat different… Not a fan of the non-stick, prefer the backpack to a wine sack, and seriously that “everything” platter is amazing. I think I'll start a campaign…! Let me vote early and often FOR you-ha ha!
The non-stick issue is something i'd like to fix too. Even when I vote 10 times in a day, it doesn't seem to make much difference.
We are going to have to double up our efforts. You vote for a while then I will and back and forth as such. Maybe THEN it will make a difference:-)
I went for the back pack too. I don't care for the party bucket at all.
What am I going to do with a party bucket? I'm going to have a super-delux fridge, right LOL?
I also agree with you on any pans no stick. There easy, but not sure about the material. P.S. I would vote for Eddie more than 120 times a day.
Yes, I am all about cooking without the extra surface. With a gas stove the only way things get a chance to burn is if I neglect them:-)
I loved that everything plate too Debra G, and vote for it every time.
Seriously, it is FABULOUS! And it covers EVERYTHING!!!!!
I love your excitement about everything HGTV. Oh great goodness what would you do if you won the DH. I can see whoever is hosting try to contain the cheering, laughing crying hugging everyone in sght.
OMGOSH, seriously, I would be doing cartwheels while dialing my daughters and hugging my husband (and everyone else who shows up)!! I love just thinking about it!!
And I enjoy thinking about my friends on this blog winning also because I know that if a bloggie won, they would keep up with everyone, without missing a beat. If they keep the house we'll celebrate the holidays together the following year. Oh what fun we have!!!
I don't know Janice. If I won I probably wouldn't be able to blog for awhile. I would be shaking so badly, it would look like I was typing in a foreign language.
I am sure that with a blog winner there will be a whole lot a shakin and baking going on. The first thing I would do would be to call a West Coast Blog Party, and this time every Paparazzii character i know will be invited. A couple of months ago friends and family met Jamie Durie at the Chateau Marmont. They didnt tell me until well after everyone was socializing and the event was over.
I'm right there with you…only 4 of my choices are the top. As for the whole pan thing…personally, I like the red ones…they are both stovetop safe and oven safe and claim to be naturally non-stick in just the regular material of the pan. It says you can directly put them in the freezer or refrigerator too…not that it is something I normally need to do, but I have put a hot pan directly in the fridge when we've needed to hurry out the door.
I think it's time for a Stowe Mountain Resort weather update…. 9 outa 10 isn't bad. http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USVT0234?s_…
http://www.stowe.com/mountain/conditions.php
I voted!
They are really wonder VT gifts! I'm so excited! I hope to win the house tho!!! he he
Beautiful music from the DH at Stowe. http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=9r3074y3EAg&fea…
hahaha, I love in Vermont and its truly an amazing place!! Just loveeeee it!
This is such great history Deer spring and so worth looking . Did you know that the Stowe is currently preparing an oral history of all of the older residents who have the longest history with Stowe.
Don't forget 2011 – One lucky dreamer wins and moves into the Stowe Dream Home! So it may have taken over 200 years to get to that point, from 1794, but it will be worth the wait.
Cami, this one's for you:
http://www.npr.org/2010/12/07/131854573/bird-feed…
And here's one for you, Coop:
http://bubbleberrie.blogspot.com/2009/08/restaura…
From winter bird feeding tips to a treehouse restaurant in Thailand — what a diversity of interests this group has! Oh, and here's one for me ( ho, ho, ho!):
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/11/24/ti…
Mary, can we have a new thread please!?!
Thanks for the gift CplusE. Are you handing out blogging buddy gifts early? I'll have to think of a good one for you.
I decided to give my birds a rest from the gourmet buffet I laid out when it snowed. Now that the snow has melted enough for them to find their own food, I thought it was best to stop it for a bit, so they wouldn't become dependent (they probably went to the neighbors birdfeeder). Besides, when you get nearly 100 birds in your front yard at one time, it makes you feel a little uncomfortable (Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds). I live in a close knit neighborhood, and I was afraid the neighbors would start calling me the bird lady, and insist I wash their car. I'll put out bird seed again in a few days, even if it doesn't snow……… My cat is bored now.
I would be the most song bird glorious peeping time in this amazing tree house, and I bet it's not cheap cheap. The menu must offer more than quackers. I would love to go to this place.
I've been gone for a while and why I had to see that apple pie today just has me bewildered a bit. Like the choice of house warming gifts adds some good choices to choose for the Stowe home.
Hi dear melissa_again. Just stopped by to wish you a wonderful Merrry Christmas, and may all of your hopes and dreams come true this coming year. it's wonderful to see you on the blog. You and I used to talk when I was formerly Janice Vegas. Love to you
Go with personal preference…after all what happens if you win…you want to be happy with the choices-right?
Good morning Deerspring,
I noticed that you did a separate choice for the " Lucky Winner" and then a "Bloggers' Choice" ~ D'ya think one day a Blogger will be " The Lucky Winner" ? Or are the odds too great for our statistically very small group of HGTV fans ?
Still Dreaming Big for this special ski lodge home :O)
GoldieLocksBear
XO
I made it, I voted 10 times today and I know it took me longer than 4 or 5 minutes. LOL.
I got to the end and expected a "edit" to let me know I achieved the limit allowed for the day….nothing
So I went back into the voting and tried it again…it allowed me to vote and claimed I had up to 9 more to go. Hmmmm?
Anyone else get that?
Maybe, you might check on that and put in a "voila" of "Congratulations" for achieveing "10 votes" for the day. Anyone?
I did wonder if it started over, since it does tell you to vote again after 10 votes. Perhaps there's hope for my favorites after all. ; ) If I wanted to take the time to vote……. perhaps 100 times a day.
Go for it…who knows, I sure don't. Maybe futile or it's not?
The Green home has a new blog today…. Do you think Mary's working on a special Dream Home blog surprise for us very good gift-voting Dream Home dreamers??
I've been doing everything you asked Mary, and have been very good in general. So how about a little more visual intel. on the Dream Home. I mean a lot more… We've already had little. I'm ready for big and in focus.
Pretty funny that the first tavern was built 52 years before the first church.
http://www.stowe.com/mountain/webcam.php
Hurry look at the beautiful snow at the Stowe Mountain Resort before the sun goes down,
At last!!! I checked in just in time. This is awesome. Wouldn't you just love to see the DH right now?
I can't believe we don't have a new thread today. I'm determined not to be "whiney"—only because it's a busy week and I don't have time anyway—and it's the Christmas spirit time of year, and I've decided to ditch the chasing patience routine—–and check out zen garden landscaping companies in the Stowe area instead—-while we wile away moments and wait for Mary to toss us a crumb of new info.
On the plus side, it's not often that MARY tosses us a crumb. Usually, it's more like a real gem — brilliant, impressive in scope and design, and gives us plenty to ooh and ahhh, chat and opine about for days on end. So, while the blog fires may be burning slowly at this very moment, a Dream Home season filled with great things to come is soon headed our way.
Why, we won't even have to wait for these much-anticipated HGTV gifts to appear under the Christmas tree. We'll just sign on to the blog one morning, and like magic, the Stowe Dream Home will be revealed in all its wonderment and glory. Besides, as you mentioned, MeKhazSimi, it's definitely a busy time of year, and my commitments are piling up already. I barely have enough time to keep up with the blogs as it is, much less when MARY hits us with a barrage of all new and exciting insights. If we could only have 26 hours in a day during December, I could manage to squeeze in more of the holidays, family and friends, and HGTV.
I really did mean "crumb of info" in a "good" way—-I've obviously been staring at that pie crust up above way too long. The photo of the DH on the main page is so awesome and, as Cami posted, Stowe has real snow everywhere, so can't imagine how beautiful the DH looks right now.
OK—12 more days before the "grand reveal". Perfect.
I understand completely! Really, think about cookie crumbs (yumm!) apple pie crust crumbs (yummier!) chocolate cake crumbs (yummiest!)
So, let the crumbs fall where they may…preferably on to my dessert plate….
However the cookie crumbles it's still just crumbs, and we've received plenty of crumbs lately. Eventually I'd like to have the whole cookie, or whole apple pie as the case may be. ; )
Perish the thought, but if you're not that one lucky winner of the 2011 Dream Home, you can ease the pain by closing escrow on the following estate in Stowe: http://www.frontdoor.com/Buy/Dreamy-Homes-for-Sale-Near-...
I remember looking at that one before Coop. It's still a little over my budget!
Thanks for the link, Deerspring! I found that if you hit the pause button, put the cursor on the timeline bar (I don't know what it is really called) and use your touchpad to move the cursor you can look as long as you want at any features (I have a Mac so I'm not sure if this works on other computers). I am loving the color scheme as well! I wish we could see more of the kitchen, but I really love that alcove off of the gathering room!
Good catch Deerspring
Thanks for the video link. Looks wonderful inside… B) <3
I noticed there was no "Cami's piano" in what looks like the annex area. It would have been so beautiful sitting there. I think it's time to get my violin out and play a "woe is me" kind of song.
….and the DH plot thickens, as we anxiously await—–where oh where have they placed the mysterious luxury item?——and the antique barn door?—can it be hiding the elusive staircase that leads to a secret alcove?—-and the trees?—–at which juncture within the DH do these satatuesque giants stand?—and the window above the car barn?—–What mystical significant purpose does it serve? —–and on and on the mystery continues…….
I'm not sure but I think I spy the antique barn door downstairs in the guest family room. The mysterious luxury item must be the hot tub, I guess, or it could still be a loft sitting/viewing room, on the way to the access for the garage loft area . I don't think we got much of a view of the dining room/kitchen area of the room where at least 2 trees are supposed to stand. There was a natural tree log post downstairs, and tree branches running up and down the bunkbeds. I'm guessing there could be an elusive staircase by the kitchen and M bedroom.
Thanks for the links Deerspring. Let the dreaming begin!!!
There are two regular bedrooms shown in the video.. Which one do you think is the Master Bedroom.. The one with the 4 poster bed or the one without?
Ok I looked at the floor plans again. I'm certain the four poster bed is the MB, and since it's fancier, it makes perfect sense anyway.
from what the floor plans look like the four poster has to be in the master!
I love that 4 poster bed, and the modern artwork piece above the fireplace, and the media room and the sitting area annex, and…. <3 hgtv dream homes
Score for Deerspring. She found where HGTV's been hiding our Christmas presents.. Now that we have all had a peek, and a good shaking of the present, could there be another secret hiding spot for Dream Home presents??
When you find it don't be afraid to tell us…. We promise not to tell!! ^_^
The ski dorm is wonderful. I love the style of those bunk beds, and the bedding is so perfect. Linda has scored another A-plus with the entire design. The tile and sinks used in the dorm bath are so modern and sleek, and the colors are perfect. It's going to be so much fun to watch the grand reveal in a few days.
They say the bunkroom has only room for eight.
Plus 2 in the master bedroom and
plus 2 in the guest bedroom. EQUALS …. 12.
Did one older article advertise sleeping room for more?
Which rooms didn't they film?
How many of you keep playing the video, that Deerspring posted? I think I've watched it at least 10 times… frame by frame. I'm afraid it may cut into my gift voting time. Sorry Mary…
Here I go for another round of 10 Dream Home video viewings….
Things I love so far…
1.The natural tree details (adirondack style).
2.The bunkroom bathroom. Love the colors. Love the modern, clean look. Interesting that the design team wasn't afraid to blend traditional/rustic with modern… Hmmm, It works!
3. I love the subliminal message pillows in the bunkroom….. Hike, play, ski, etc. etc. I think I would add pillows that say.. clean, pick up, be kind, respect, responsibility.. etc. Since that's where my boys will be sleeping. ; )
4. All the colors.. So warm and inviting.
5. The high ceilings. WOW!
I'm going back in for another 10…..
Great to be able to peek in…lots to like only with the layout in the spaces provided. Love the layout, alcove with wall of windows & the get up close fireplace. I was never a fan of this design style even the first go around of it with geometric patterns, oddball furniture pieces as it's always takes me to 1st apts, 1st homes, & lacking money due to it's untethered look in ungracefulness. I find this main room space cluttered, cramped, complicated furniture layout & really awful room design choices. For me it lacks warmth, hospitality, & sways me to being a teenager's bedroom & just not a fan of it for shared & main public spaces. It's too stark, ungraceful & looks thrown together with things you found from a swap meet. I love finer & more elegant details, but I'm a textile guru. I was just wishing for more obviously than given here as it's costs the winner roughly $ 2 Million $ either way. The bedroom spaces that I see, seem to have much better design elements being used.
Did you see those drifts outside on your front yard! Wow! Brings in the winter environment to your very front door & there's no escaping this reality other than planting a couple of evergreens to the right of your front porch to help with the drifting snow onto your front porch. I could feel this winter being given thru this video. Good perspective for someone that will win this winter wonderland, brrrrr, but I hope it's excellent dreams for the winner.
I do like the dorm style room with it's built-in bunk beds too. Along with it's good accents like the table if needed in front of the large window with good useable space between room bunks. A very fun space for any group to be in, plus try & sleep in, LOL.
Love the kitchen layout, not large, but a very cook friendly space it appears. Like the cooktop in the island counter with ample room to do more on than counter than just cook. So not a fan of the color choices they selected in this kitchen. They have hard & long winters up there in Stowe, VT. The dark cabinets elude in a space for doom & gloom for me. It doesn't look like true black, but a deep dark graphite in the video. Not comforting to me at all & after a hard & very long winter who needs more of gloomy skies over head brought into the kitchen space. This feeling in this space becomes more solidified with the upper cabinets dark color overhead with the contrasting off white subway tiles on the back walls. Need lots & lots great lighting in this kitchen space to remove the gloominess it provokes. For me it's not a great use of color in a universal crucial space. Paint to the rescue, & maybe putting on frosted glass cabinets doors to help remove this dominating color feature. I use the dark colors as the accents not the main color on things. Appliances, tiles, & all the subtle things as dark colors carry much weight with the space it's in.
I love that glass door refrigerator! ULTRA COOL!!
Looks like some glass-door lower cupboards facing the dining table too.
Or maybe they are doors to a glass front cooler for soft drinks and wine. http://mes1.wellborn.com/cms/images/stories/users…
Is there a sliding ladder in this kitchen? If not, I could add one.
I so love the fact that it has a log house look and feel to it. I have always wnated a dream log home. The videos reach out to me.
Everytime I look at the days left until the Dream Home virtual tour (10days) I feel a little like Buddy the Elf from the Will Ferrell movie, ELF. "SANTAAAAAA!! SANTA'S COMING TO TOWN! SANTA! SANTA'S COMING TO TOWN!!"
Anyone else share my affinity for ELF culture??
Where did everyone go?? Are you lost in Dream Home video land.. Quick! Snap out of it and post your dreamy thoughts.
So what I caught from the amazing video that the wonderful Deerspring found for us, is that the barn door is in the living area on the bottom level. There is no loft above the kitchen and the only thing I could catch that might be an architectual feat in the kitchen is the vent hood that goes allll the way up to the ceiling. oh and the kitchen has TWO sinks. The chimney in the main living area is definitely copper and stainless steel. The bunk room is by far my favorite and I hate to say it, but I'm not crazy about a lot of the decor. It's much too modern for my taste. It's nice but I felt like it could have been a hotel, especially the second bedroom and the main living room. The art above the fireplace is super modern. All the same the house seems amazing!
I can't help but fall in love with this Dream Home. I know better than to let myself imagine how wonderful it would be for my family and I to live in the Dream Home…. 'Cause I know the chances are so small to be drawn and then to be able to keep it… That would be unimaginable, in reality. So should I let myself go and dream about it, or should I protect myself from the disappointment of never calling it home.???____I'll probably be so busy during the giveaway time of year, I won't have time to entertain disappointment…. So why not enjoy the dream now?? Yep that's it. I'm going to fall head over the Vermont hills (heels) in love… So open up the Dream Home door I'm taking up residence. If anyone wants me I'm starting my dreaming in the master suite and will eventually work my way downstairs to the bunk room… I could be a while. ; )
There is nothing wrong with dreaming…just keep yourself within the sight of reality.
Its amazing how Linda is able to pick colors that go so well together. I really like the decor she picked for this years home. It is contemporary but warm and inviting at the same time. I can just picture the lucky winner curled up on one of the chairs or sofa watching the snow come down outside and sipping a cup of delicious hot chocolate. If only HGTV would take pity on us and launch the online tour a little early. Please…………
Holy moly cow! I just added up all the beds and just realized my entire family (including spouses and children) could all be under one roof for the holidays in this house! Considering I am from a family of nine, this is quite an accomplishment! Yikes! We may need a negotiator as a house warming gift if we win LOL!!
Deerspring keep them coming you are awesome Thank you <3