The Winner Is …
Alright, already. Cool your jets and listen up: We do indeed have a winner.
HGTV’s Monica Pedersen paid a visit to Hinsdale, Illinois, resident Eric Makstenieks just yesterday to share the news that he had won the HGTV Dream Home 2011 grand prize package. He won the modern mountain lodge, the SUV and the $500,000 cash!
Eric says he entered almost daily – even in the hospital on the day his daughter was born (talk about loyalty!). He, his wife Catherine and their two children look forward to making their first-ever trip to the vacation wonderland of Spruce Peak at Stowe Mountain Resort very soon. “This is surreal,” says Eric. “This is too good to be true!”
Since we spilled the beans a bit early, please promise me one thing: That you will tune into the national broadcast of the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2011 special on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Just because you know who the winner is doesn’t mean you know exactly how it all went down. Or who won our housewarming gifts sweepstakes. Pop quiz immediately following the special.
Congrats to the Winner!
congrads to the winner but they could have showed some emotions with a big win. I would be going crazy if I won but they were very solemn. WOW they should have rehearsed a little. lol
Talking about spilling the beans …….. where's lessie?
LOL!!
I laugh, she'll be here.
Congratulations to Eric and Catherine. Thanks for clearing everything up for us Mary. It's probably better this way, maybe you'll decide to do it this way every year. Not the confusion part. The revealing the winner early part. Congrats again Eric and Catherine.
cryyyyyiiiing….. so saaaaad for us.
But Congrats to the winners!
me too :"(
Gymnasticsluvrr, it's okay to cry. There's a saying that goes, "Weeping may remain for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Hope your morning of rejoicing comes soon.
Sure hope your tears of sadness turn into tears of joy soon Chmeitli! We're just not the 1 in 80 million this time. Maybe next time.
thanks…. I am slowely getting used to the fact that we did not win, I was sure it was us… LOL we would've fit perfect in that house. I guess the Lord has different plans for us. It sure would've made things a little easier on us…. I feel what everyone is going through, but dreaming sure is nice…
Maybe next time…
Believe me, I understand. I loved the Islamorada Dream Home and was disappointed when I didn't win. I also loved the Blog Cabin in Tennessee and the Florida Green Home. I liked the others but wasn't passionately in love with them. I also loved the Urban Oasis because it wouldn't take a long time to clean it. What's wrong with that picture? I didn't bother to enter the New York Blog Cabin. Reason, who wants that much land? Too much work!!! No telling what went on in that barn with all those tools. Nope, not for me.
I guess the bottom line is: I love people and I love blogging. Winning is not my top priority. It would be good to win but it's not absolutely necessary. I know, it probably makes no sense, but that's why I blog.
this is my first year ever hearing about the home giveaways, but i DEFINITELY had an attachment to this one
but, ive excepted that it couldn't be me. Now im hoping that the winner is like all the past winners and sell ;D then after that i hope that 2 million dollars will fall out of the sky and the house will be mine! haha
Please let me know where you live so I can be there when 2 million begins falling from the sky, Gymnastisluvrr. I know it's your dream, but that one's too good to pass!
My family will be happy that it is over! They are so sick of me talking about it! I'm so sad, but so happy that a couple with two young children get to enjoy that wonderful property! Now I'll just focus on winning the Housewarming Products:)
Congratulations to the winners.
Really???? This is a first and kind of a let down. I love holding out hope to the last possible second when the show airs.. Just the chance I may still be the winner. I am really happy for the winner, but not sure I am happy about the announcement being made prior to the show.
There's no limit to the damage a jealous or envious person can do, Ckhjjohnson. Not only did John Smith foil HGTV's plan, but he also destroyed the dreams and hopes of HGTV Dream Home Dreamers.
Thanks for disclosing this, since the rumors were so crazy. I'm a bit disappointed about how this got out, since it doesn't seem to follow the norm of other years. Still, they sound like a lovely family. Congrats to them!
I hadn't heard any rumors, Wyo_Girl. What happened?
Just the early announcement in the last blog about the name from a neighbor who knew them. I don't think that's how HGTV wanted to get this information out, and the responses from this blogger (and to him) turned a little sour. The names were rumors until HGTV announced the winner, so it got a little ugly, in my opinion. Now it's out there and people can move on!
Are you saying that the neighbors blogged! Holy smokes, miss the blog for a few days and all hell breaks loose!!! (LOL!)
Love your attitude, Wyo_Girl!
Seems like bloggers need healing–not only for unfulfilled dreams but also for the loss of ten days of dreaming.
ALOHA, Lessie! We'll heal quickly because HGTV always gives us something new to dream about:)
I'd been occupied for a couple days – missed blogging and (I guess) missed any ugliness.
Congratulations to the winners!
ON TO THE NEXT DREAM!
Love your spirit Katie! I'll keep dreaming too.
Yeah, what rumors?
I agree that it was odd this year…prematurely spilling the beans! However, I can see a positive it this! I had thought that HGTV was coming to the home of the winner closer to the 12th or on the 12th, so now I don't have to polish my hardwoods and wash my windows, as I had planned for the 12th…you know, just in case they had picked my name as the winner and came knocking on my door! Guess I'll take my dog hiking tomorrow! Life goes on as a non-winner of my dream home!
Yes, CaponeRocks, my house will be a LOT messier this weekend than I had originally planned, lol!
I hear that – I don't have to worry that when I'm not dressed up for work I'm in my panjamas looking shleppy around the house or that I haven't vacuumed in three days!! (LOL!) Gosh, where is spell check when I need it!
Go to the blog where Jim Samples is holding the winning bingo ball and then underneath the blurb is a video on how the winner was picked.
Now I'm even more confused. I watched the video, and nowhere does it EVER mention anyone other than the winner. No semifinalist, nothing. Don't know what you saw, but it's not there.
I'm sorry, maybe I read it then. Shoot, I'll try to find it. Am I hallucinating?—
Found this in the rules. I'm sure they have to pick a semi finalist, what if the person turns out to be ineligible due to where they work or the background check. I also think I saw that they picked a semi finalist for this one, but cannot remember where. Sorry for misdirecting you.”Grand Prize Winner Notification:Main Sponsor anticipates that the potential Grand Prize Winner will be contacted in person on or about March 12, 2011 (subject to change) in the form of a “ambush style” visit by Main Sponsor representatives and such potential Grand Prize Winner may be filmed during such visit by Main Sponsor. Main Sponsor also reserves the right to randomly select an unspecified number of potential finalists for the Grand Prize.”—
Congratulations Eric – Enjoy!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MAKSTENIEKS!
I laugh, that last name is as hard to say as mine! It will be fun to watch how well they mastered it in the live show. (no offense to the winner if they are reading).
Congrats to the winner and I hope you enjoy your new home. Although I know you will, as any of us would had.
Congratulations to them! It's sad it got out early, but I'm glad for them. Now the rest of us can all go back to life, work and play, and put our dream-home-mania behind us 'til the next time! Let's all be grateful we live in America and have a place to lay our heads at night.
Amen to that!!!!
Amen again
<3
they ruined it! it's not fair i'm so upset with hgtv…………….. why would they do this to us? well im very dissapointed! but i am happy for the winner because i know i would want people to be happy with me……. hgtv has definetley gone down hill……..it's like not even real they said they weren't supposed to suprise the winner until march 11. they just tottaly crushed our dreams……… i'm definetley not going to watch their show! Congrats Eric!!!!!! so happy for u!!!
I agree with you 100% ! Its supposed to be a suprise not to just for the winner but the rest of us too!
I disagree that there were too many rumors flying about. What does anyone expect wth a contest's anticipation anyways?
Comgrats to Eric, Catherine, kids, and their new baby! Boo to HGTVs premature spilling the beans!
I would imagine HGTV is trying to do damage control, Iluvollie. Eric's personal information was broadcast on the blog by an angry neighbor. It was unfair to him and his family. At the same time it was unfair to bloggers. Don't know how HGTV can make that right but I'm glad they made it right for Eric and Catherine.
ya but, they were supposedly bragging to everyone in their neighborhood, i'd imagine that is agaist the whole aggreement! hgtv should definetley think about his
They didn't ruin it, the neighbor did. And if you would've taken the time to read the "sweepstakes rules", you would have known from the start that the selection process is clearly outlined. The winner would be selected on March 2nd, the "ambush" would be on March 12th, and the show would air on March 19th. The show was not a "live" selection of the winner, just the announcement of the already selected winner taking place. Next time, read the rules of the sweepstakes you're entering.
definetley, never again!
And YES!!!! March 19th already planning on having a celebration for the new winners by watching the special!
areeve04…lol…someone has it in for you and I. Right after our comment we both got a -1…lol
I think emotions are just running high right now….I am still a huge HGTV fan, and I do want to watch the special!
Me too, Green Home next. Can't wait
I'll celebrate with you areeve04. We can call it the end of the quarter celebration too.
LOVE IT! I think I'm going to have Chinese and open a new fortune cookiexD;)
It was so fun reading your blogs…Thanks for keeping the FUN before the FUN ended..see ya at the next drawing.. "GREEN HOME" in Colorado! *smile* Take Care All!
My son can still snowboard in Colorado!;)
YES he can…:)
I only entered for the dream home will I still be able to be considered for the others? This is my first time entering
The Green home tour will be shown on April first. Then, beginning mid April, you can enter to win….Keep dreaming, JaRa1052xD
When and where could I enter for it, Areeve?
I believe you will be able to enter online on the HGTV Website and/or by mail.
Ok, thank you so much! May God continue to bless you and Good Luck!
Thank you, and you too!
Same to you Cindy. Yes it was fun. GREEN HOME NEXT
I'm not waiting for March 19th to celebrate. I'm celebrating for them now. And I will watch the show on the 19th.
I don't know what to say….congrats to the winners….I think it is GREAT for them and it is NOT their fault for a big mouth neighbor. I guess this is the feeling called….anti-clamatic. (not sure of the spelling) but I am sure you all get it.
I know the correct and gracious response to the winners is congratulations….so congratulations!
However, I cannot say that with much sincerety since obviously there was a huge breakdown in the spirit of the giveaway. Logic would tell us that the weakest link in the chain as far as letting the cat out of the bag is with the winners themselves. HGTV has a lot more money on the line than just the house and it is in their best interests to keep it a secret in order to adhere to their programming and revenue generating agenda – which is completely fine. Even your mean-spirited neighbor "John Smith" gets half a pass as he could not have been the messenger to ruin it for us if the winners had kept their mouths shut. A lot of people who wanted a fair contest that played by the rules we were given are very very disappointed now.
Enjoy your winnings!
What happened?
Go back to the previous blog of March 4 – the last 5 pages or so tell the whole story.
That must have happened this afternoon. I haven't read them yet so I missed it. This is really sad and even before I read, cause for disqualification in my opinion.
Disqualification?!! That's strong, DHWinner.
Do we really know that the winners broke the silence? All we know is that a jealous neighbor posted the news before it was announced. He said that the winners were bragging about this to everyone, but he wasn't really very reliable, so I don't know if HGTV should go that far. I do think they need to change something about they way they surprise/ambush people, because you're right that it didn't feel good the way this happened.
Hi born2xs.? Let me just say this – Had I been the winner and I violated a non-disclosure agreement, I should have been disqualified.? At the same time, a pretty, blond, well-known, HGTV personality wearing a bright, red coat while standing on my front porch with a huge balloon bouquet and a 2 X 5 FT. check in her hand would be hard to go unnoticed.? Not to mention the van, camera crew, etc.?
News articles claim that the winners' next-door-neighbor saw this and "leaked" their identity.? He posted their name, address and phone number on the blog (which was quickly removed by the administrator) and the winner was officially announced shortly thereafter.
We may always wonder what really happened.? Some clarification would be nice, but I don't feel it's "owed" to me.? Without all the facts, we can only speculate.? I made the mistake of making that statement (regarding disqualification) without all the facts.? I should have said, "If a non-disclosure agreement has been violated, that is cause for disqualification."? I admit that in my temporary state of shock, I left out a few words!
I agree, it is sad that it happened this way.? A lot of bubbles were burst in a very, untimely manner.? There were millions of dreamers hoping to be ambushed on (or about) the 12th, some even flying their own balloons!?
Thanks for your response and the opportunity to clarify.? Best wishes to you.? Never, ever stop dreaming.?
? ??
The point is we really don't know what happened and may never know. Sounds to my like a jealous neighbor. John Smith admitted that he was jealous… Do you really think this couple told everyone? I don't.. I am happy for them and their children and I still have Dreams.
I don't think the winners said a thing. I think John Smith recognized Monica P. and saw cameramen and knew and blabbed.
I think you're right. I can see one neighbor putting it together, and then blabbing to the whole nieghborhood too. Plus Monica is a Celebrity in Chicago.
I went back and read through this afternoon's blogs. Obviously, the comments that triggered an early announcement have been deleted.
I share your sentiments, ShadySideT. My personal opinion is, if the winners were really running around shooting their mouts off, then she should be held by the NDA agreement they signed in order to get the prize. I wish them nothing but congratulations, but if they were truly sharing the news with their neighbors, then shame on them. Things get taken away from people everyday, jobs, homes, children, etc.. Why risk getting something so precious and awesome taken away?? *shrug* I am mystified! But THANK YOU SO MUCH Gail and Mary for clearing the air finally
Melly, I understand all you've written. My heart goes out to disappointed bloggers FIRST and then to the winners. Since I don't know the whole situation, I can't make a judgment call. But I do think John Smith caused a terrible chain reaction that many never be repaired.
Lessie, It is so good that you are trying to set the "whole" story straight. I read the blog this afternoon but missed what John Smith posted (he or HGTV had already deleted it). It was cute how Coop tried to get everyone back on track with the possibility of another contest. Anyway, keep up the good work!
Thanks SweetLiz. I'm still here to dream and have fun with other bloggers.
Melly, I read a few articles that said they were Ambushed, but still pending paperwork. I am not quoting….But that is the sum of it. I think this John Smith had something to do with it, but, the question is, Who Is This John Smith? Actually everything happened quickly. One minute we were listening to this John Smith Gloating about how he knew who the winner was, and not long after, posts were being deleted and then, the new blog from Mary.
… So there really was a John Smith, and I thought he wass an explorer.
You are so funny Janzee. I'm glad I was able to clear that up for you. I guess it did sound awful crazy if you didn't know what was going on. LOL
Actually in this case Gracie, he was an A-hole! ^_^
Hi babes, I just figured that out. The whole HGTV ambush drama, with it's "wrapped up in ribbons surprise" exists to keep everything in a box, till the ribbon is unraveled.There might be a way in the future, for HGTV to create an impervious situation, and could ambush exactly on the day of, and deal with the paperwork later. I always try to keep my energy focused on the right of right now, and this little gliche will soon be overlooked. The winner showed up a bit early, and deserves the apple bubbly uncorking just the same. Mr. smithholeyin is just a time warp. POO Poo
Hi Janzee! I never did care for the whole ambush idea. Maybe next year they can quietly inform the winner, have them sign all forms, fly them out to the DH on the qt, and record the DH winner special there. Although that might not give the winner enough time to make travel plans — as an alternative perhaps they could meet with the winner at a neutral location that is much less likely to be discovered by curious neighbors. I'm sure the folks at HGTV knew the possibility of an early discovery of the winner was inevitable, and may have already made plans to change the winner reveal format!
Good ideas, C&E. I do think they need to change the format, although I'm not sure how. Maybe announcing at a neutral site and not pretending it's a surprise.
Or letting the general public attend the drawing for once! I get suspicious feelings when I know for a fact another HGTV show was just taped a few days prior and only 20 miles from the Dream Home winners residence….just my opinion though!
Not being a "live" show is the only way I can see it working. The winner is actually being told of their fortunate winning entry is taped until they get the appropriate releases. After taping it and getting the winners to sign releases then they can have it become a "live" and show the telling of it to the winner with it's grand celebration. Like the "Apprentice" shows and this kind of thing.
No one is at fault, just the odds are great with everything working perfectly. In all the years for doing this kind of surprise thing, the odds are steeper with it coming off. It still was a surprise for the winner, it's all good. The technicals, there is always technicals, LOL.
How love, how did my puter miss this post? My sense is that this year, HGTV has been an innocent bystander as the whirlwindedness of media campaigns face book entities can get a little a ahead of the game. Next year's announcements like you say are sure to be a little different.
Hi Eddie Georgie, Cindy is new on the site and wrote to me the other day requesting the Paul Newman recipe. Her father has had some surgeries, and she says cheesecake would sure boost her mom's morale. I think I'll send it along.
I would imagine you have to sign a non-disclosure and you if break that agreement you wouild forfeit your win, wouldn't you? I once had to sign one for an event a client was doing for a TV program and if anyone found out, the person winning wouldn't be allowed to go through with receiving the gift.
Well, if the neighbors saw Monica at the Makstenieks' house, they didn't sign a NDA. Also, the paperwork needs to be returned within 5 days according to the rules, so I guess he could have told before he signed — I don't know, and it would be terrible for people to wish for them to lose the house based on this. I think it's negative for bloggers to wish for that just so they have another long shot chance. I'm not saying that YOU are wishing for it — I have just seen people act like they want to take this away from this lovely family. That's not right.
I didn't know that's what happened. Ugh!—
I can care less on knowing the specifics unless it has to apply to me or need to plan for.
Does this item really have any effect on you at all in knowing this rule or not? Does this really matter?
Me, and you are not the winner, let it go! It's ok… <3
Be happy,
like before you knew about this dreamhome, get back to living your life. 
<3
I'm not unhappy. I believe in making your own dreams come true and anything else is an extra added bonus. I really didn't plan for a win – did you? It's 1 in 80,000,000 odds, who really thought they would be that one odd. I mean come on, someone would be, but…. you don't stake your livelihood on it. You enter and that's that, I just want to understand what happened and how the contest works, what's wrong with that? I did find an informative video; however, which tells about the whole process.—
You have such a smart young gifted spirit PFG, and you go with the wind, and know how to ease on down the road when need be. Be free, you see, keep your eye on tree!!!
The TV game show, "Jeopardy" does this all the time. Contestants know they won, but are prohibited from disclosing any of it until their show airs.
Congratulations to Eric and Catherine…I am so happy for them and their children. I will still have a bottle of champagne and be watching on the 19th. Oh Well, Things Happen. I can't wait to see it all.
debbielee, let's crack that bottle of champagne and celebrate for the winners, and the future winners, and here's to YOU!!!1
Hey Janzee, nice to be back. Things were getting a little crazy if you know what I mean. I plan on having that bottle of champagne, and I will be logged in on the 19th. Got to have that green beer tomorrow though. lol. Thanks for the yell. I know there are so many nice people on here. I just needed a little break.
Congrats to the winners, and yay for us. No more dieting to try to look good for the camera. No more sitting on pins and needles (ouch!!). No more worrying about fixing up your hair and applying make-up. No more fast pounding heartbeats at every bit of excitement, (heart attack). No more neck strain from constantly looking behind us. No more strange looks from perfect strangers as we sometimes get excited for no apparent reason.
BE HAPPPPPPPYYYYYYY!!!! I'm pigging out tonight!! What are you eating lets party for us and for the winners!!
I FEEL LIBERATED!!!! Now on to the next one and next one and the next one after that. Green Home, Blog Cabin and hopefully Urban Oasis… Mary???
Just in case you are not on here the rest of the quarter, hang in there! You're almost finished!xD
Oh I'll be here. This place somehow gets my sanity back. It's insane right.
I changed my Avatar to fit the occasion of the pig-out party. Rather than the "pitty party";)
Sounds good to me.
I gotta picture of me and this pig in the desert that I fell in love with. I am on the ground eye to eye with her and we are have a major conversation. I found her at this pottery place, and she has even been known to eat wooden bowls. Her name is Lindsey Lohan.
Post the picture! I would love to see it! Hugs.
Booms Booms, bring on the symphony orchestra. You are here!!!!! On the piggy pic, I'll go back into my computer tonight and find miss Lindsey Lohan and Jan, then It's a choice between the inside of a gemstone which represents everyone on this site, or jan falling in love with a piglet.
I agree with you, Cami. We have our lives back and that's a very good thing. The sad part is that when something like this happens, some people don't recover. We may very well lose some bloggers and that saddens me.
It will be their loss if they abandon ship now. Some folks like to blog and some are just here for the Dream Home and some are here for both. Although this incident was unexpected and unusual, I don't know what has gone on behind closed doors or in Chicago neighborhoods. The person who leaked the info may not have heard the news first hand, and didn't like said winners so went out to create trouble, which isn't HGTV's fault or the winners fault. I can see one blabber mouth in the neighborhood finding out and then blabbering it all over the hood until it is heard by a person who well you know the rest of the story. I will say, I'm surprised they felt the need to surprise the winners this early. It was a whole week and a half early. Strange from the beginning. Oh well.
Sad but true, Cami. Hope all works out well for bloggers and HGTV.
The last few years have proved interesting and lesson worthy for me. When it comes to media, and all of resounding possibilities,I am learning to put myself in neutral till I get all the facts. The rest creates a heresay construct that is so easy to get swirled into. I am not even going to ask you about the story on the blog cause at this point,I dont care, and wont even go searching for it, although it feels kinda intriguing.
Over at the Green House some of the bloggers are waiting patiently and perhaps as we trek through our pioneer journey we can hook up with the other travelers.
Just getting back on the computer. Will meet you on the Green Home site.
heading over now!
Looking for you, Areeve. Where are you? Will check the Green Home site again.
Haven't been back yet areeve-beautiful name by the way. What's going on over there?
Thank you, Janzee! At the Green Home Blog we are excited about the awards earned by the Green Home Team, and we're pretty excited to see the tour on the first.
There is quite a bit going on at the Blog Cabin Blog.
The Gold Standard which HGTV has won is quite an honor, and with this team already in place, the standard will continue to flourish. I cant wait to see whats going on on the Green home front, and at the Blog Cabin blog. Thank you for the terrific update areeve04
You better watch your step you alphabetarian you, keep that figure in tact, because we are all going to get together on the west coast and have one shine dig of a party. Howz your classes going anyway?
I'm assuming you're talking to me Janzee. I'm stressed as classes are coming to an end and teachers are handing out assignments and deadlines every day it seems. I'm sure the jelly beans the hot dog, the muffin, the something else I ate will come back to haunt me before they reach my hips. For some reason all those bad foods increase inflammation, which causes pain. I just wanted to relax and eat what I wanted. I'm tired and tired of being good. Take care everyone. Maybe I'll have more time during quarter break.
Dearest Cams– I'm so proud of you for going back to school. I know about those quick fix foods, and tonight I pulled a number at a friend's house. Every time I go there, I rummage through her chocolate stash and wind up eating way too much of everything. I know I sound like a big sissy, but those truffles should be in a duffle bag hidden far away from my wandering fingers.
Cami, I hear you on the inflammation deal– when you asked how we might have celebrated, truth was I ate a big bowl of watercress (cancer fighting, inflamm busting, system purifier, etc. ) and my "splurge" was adding avocado and salad dressing (! ) gad, how boring–but I was in pain from being Nutritionally Naughty the day before, LOL
I better go buy some fresh veggies and repent for sinning ways tomorrow LOL
My celebrating really started tonight after work….Garlic hummus and pita bread with a glass of Merlot….I will make something with the chicken I have…Don't know what yet….late dinner, as my son doesn't have school tomorrow, and also fixed an appetizer….cinnamon rolls baked and eaten before I came home….LOL
Thanks for your perspective, as always, Cami ! Party in honor of the winning family !
There are so many great contests coming up. The DH was 'the big on' in some respects, but some bloggers are pining for the Green Home, or like me, have a preference for the Blog Victorian in VA. It is also liberating to step out of the gloomies of Not Having Won, and just feel joy for someone else who did win.
There's a lot to look forward to… I hope I haven't missed any votes on the blog cabin. I'm trying keep up with it.
Well said, LLColeman!
It's funny that we learned all of this on the first day of Lent! We can change our habits for a couple of reasons. Also, Cami, my house is already deteriorating to its old messy self!
I agree with you…Liberation is key since that sick dissappointment was begining to affect me with each passing day…
No more keeping the house like it is ready for an open house. (I really didn't do this!:p)
Wow, so many sour grapes. Knowing now or knowing later would not have changed anything. Congrats to the winners! So our speculation ends early so lets all focus on the Green Home and it's spectacular qualities! I'm sure the smith person originally thought he/she was doing us all a favor. Let's keep this a positive thing because it is super fantastic and fun every year.
I kind of wish HGTV would have kept us guessing but things were getting negative and people were posting addresses and phone numbers which was not kind.
I disagree with you Skimferella. When you hype people's emotions, you're playing with fire. They lost 10 days of dreaming. That may not be much to you but it can be a big deal to others. What you should remember is that bloggers play by the rules, and they expect HGTV to honor it's guidelines. Even though they notification date is never specific, people don't care as long as they can dream. True we may get nasty bloggers messages but this is the first time HGTV has not honored its reveal guidelines.
Usually I'd say suck it up and get over it, but not this time because bloggers emotions are too raw. There should be a time of healing before getting back to normal.
Well, at least this way your dreaming never gets a chance to get out of hand. I'd be disappointed either way for not winning, but then again, it's like shooting an arrow at an apple in the dark anyway. Someone's going to win, but 1 out of 80,000,000 is not very good odds anyway.
Heiditoad, I'm trying to learn that all things work toether for good even through the difficulties. By no means have I mastered it, I'm just working on it. That's why I try to give other people some slack unless they really, really get on my nerves. So you see, I've got a long way to go in learning that lesson but I enjoy the different ways I'm learning it.
I love your "shooting an arrow at an apple in the dark example" because it's very true. Thanks for sharing it.
Lessie, what happened anyway? I'm not so sure I understand, but I'm assuming the info leaked somehow? It is disappointing I know and I guess I won't get on you to build your dream car now. But still do build your dreams.P.S. Where is the green home?-Heidi—
Heiditoad, I have no idea what happened other than a "neighbor" leaked the winner before the reveal date, HGTV responded by confirming the leak, and that I didn't win. The most important thing was that I didn't win so along with many of the other non-winners, I'm moving on to the Green Home, Blog Cabin, and Urban Oasis.
The Green Home link: http://www.hgtv.com/green-home/index.html
Blog Cabin link: http://www.diynetwork.com/blog-cabin/index.html
Urban Oasis link: http://www.hgtv.com/urban-oasis/index.html
That is so true!!
They're kidding us, aren't they?
nope
I'm shocked that they'd announce the winner prior to the special on the 19th! Congrats to the winner, if there really is one. I just find it hard to believe!
I doubt that they would have posted the same name that this "John Smith" posted if it weren't true. If it weren't for his posts, they might have been able to keep it hush-hush, but after he started posting personal info, they had to announce the winner. Now, what HGTV does about the winners telling everyone in the neighborhood that they won before the reveal … well, hopefully for the family they didn't sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Hope they did
OR maybe just maybe there are TWO dream homes…two entries…two homes…two winners!!!! You never know!!!!!
That sure would be some "drama" for them to air. lol I keep imagining that while they were doing the giveaway the neighbors were all clamoring around and that john smith guy being a heckler and he gets a beat down/arrested. lol sorry my dark humor is showing..
LOL I guess so mslove333..what a vision I have now about the winning moment!
Hey there hopinandwishin. That would be amazing if that were the case. Seems like something like that would be even harder to keep a secret. It would be fun though.
Congratulations to the winners and on your new baby!! We may know their names but we don't know what they look like. Maybe a portion of the excitement has been taken from us but it would have happened anyway. I still am looking forward to watching this family as they are presented with their new home and new vehicle. We have another contest coming up so we can still dream ya never know!
Don't know what they look like? Then who is the picture of the guy in the grey shirt holding the toddler?
http://blog.sndimg.com/hgtv/dreamhome/dh11_winner…
WHATS THE NEW CONTESE?????????/
I would like to congratulate Catherine, Eric, and their family with winning the 2011 HGTV Dream Home!
I would also like to pat myself on the back for entering every single day on the web and blogging to nice people who all have dreams and goals to achieve. Don't stop whatever you do!!!!
Till then, this is GoodDaddy 2 signing off! P.S. I MISS GARDENING BY THE YARD!!!!!
Glad you joined us GoodDaddy2. Hope you're not signing off permanently.
I am very curious to know why the HGTV gang chose to reveal the winner so soon. Different, I would say, but always a surprise.
I guess when things are out of control, the next option is damage control. In that case, no one wins. If you find out something different, please let me know Janzee.
I miss it too and I watched all the reruns as many times as they showed them!I
We are soo enjoying your comments GoodDaddy, please continue to post and stay tuned for the April 1st entries for the Green Home.
Congratulations on winning a Beautiful Dream Home Makstenieks family!!!
I am happy for the winners. I was dissappointed with Mr. Smith for divulging the information and wanted it to be false, but that was the dreamer in me. Now I'm glad that i know officially and can try to get back some of my sanity, if I had any to begin with.
You're sane Dmurph41! Time to pursue your next dream.
I wish I could curse to that comment, but I wont.
What was the comment, they deleted it?
Oh , just the comment that John Smith was right.
Congratulations to Eric and Catherinen not only for winning the home, but on their new baby too. I am very happy for you.
But I am very disappointed in how this ended. I was thinking this morning at work that this is the 9th and I still have 3 or 4 days left to dream that it is me. Now all of a sudden it is done. Not a nice feeling.
I agree. It was actually like a big slap in the face. I guess that was the "you didn't win, get back to real life" slap. And yeah … it stings a little. I was already setting myself up for the 12th. The whole, "If no one shows up by 7pm on the 12th, then someone else won." feeling. But now it just feels like someone snatched the carpet out from under me and I'm left sitting on the floor wondering what the heck happened.
I understand your feelings, Funfordot. Nothing like having a dream aborted.
No worries people!!! Let's be happy for the winners. So, the big news got out a little early. In the grand scheme of life is it really that big of a deal? It was fun while it lasted and I'll still tune in for the special to see how they did the reveal. I love the Dream Home and everything about it, the entering, the online tour and the blogging but this is nothing to lose sleep over. There are way bigger things to worry about. Congratulations to the winners!!!!!
I liked your comment, but they only gave me one positive thumb per person. Maybe people just don't like Geico or something. B)
Thanks Cami!!! I'm here to champion the causes of exploited Geckos around the world!;)
LOL!!
Amen, Amen, Amen……….
Listen everyone: Please don't be so negative! Hgtv did not say that this dream home in Stowe was there last! I know it was shady how it all went down but we cannot dwell on the past for long. Besides we have many more dreams in store! The green home giveaway is right around the corner!!! Don't let this get you down my fellow bloggers!
Well said, Dreamgirl03!
I agree with you Dreamgirl, Things happen. What would you all expect them to do? They pull up in front of the Winners House with camras, lights, balloons, etc. I am surprised it was kept a secret for the other Dream Homes. It is NOT HGTV's Fault! So keep giving us poitive people thumbs down…We don't care.
True Debbielee. I remember when they ambushed the winners of the Florida Green Home. The neighbors were sitting on the front porch watching. They told HGTV to keep knocking the winners were at home. They just went to bed. Those neighbors had enough class to keep their mouths shut. Besides here on the West Coast we always know the winner ahead of time, since the East Coast bloggers post the winners name. Before we see the show 3 hours later. I haven't been on the blog in a few days but I can't believe all the drama going on over this. Congratulations to the winners!!!
CONGRATS to the winners! I’m very thrilled for you and your family!
Very disappointed in HGTV! What happened to the secrecy and disclosure agreement until the 19th?
CONGRATS to the winners!
Very disappointed in HGTV!
What happened to the secrecy and disclosure agreement until the 19th?
Im soooo very happy for this family !!!! Good luck to them !
From that one picture of Monica on the door step it looks like the winners already have a pretty nice house? And last year the lady from Louisiana also had a nice house, funny how that works.
They do have a nice home John and so does Myra Lewis but it doesn't make them ineligible for winning. As long as I'm a blogger, I'll always celebrate the winner, regardless of what they have or do not have. Whoever enters has a chance to win. That's how I see it.
Welcome to "Corporate America"! The rich get richer, and the rest of us just are surviving (and dreaming)! Besides, if you were the owner of a big television network, would you want "just an average person" living in an apartment or mobile home, advertising your television channel?
Didnt the guy who won the Urban Oasis home in NYC live in an apartment!
Yes, and some of us are lucky enough to own computers, and have internet access, while others do not even own a phone. How sour are those grapes your chomping on?
The grapes are definitely not as sour as the wool covering your eyes…
I don't understand your post, and why it's relevant and why anyone would care enough to give you thumbs up. If you can tell that someone has a nice house by looking at their front door, I'm going to upgrade my front door. Do you think I'll need a tall beautiful blond with balloons at my front door too. If it makes you feel any better the winner of the Urban Oasis was college student and his front door looked like an apartment. I didn't hear any complaints that he was an apartment dweller, but I heard plenty of people who thought they should have won. Why a young college student??. Well why not?? It's a random sweeps. It'd be funny if I ever won anything and someone said she has a nice house…. If you only knew….I'm grateful for a roof over my head.
It's not relevant, that's why it's on a blog, its just an observation.
Soney and I were concerned about the balloons but see Monica holding them. What are we supposed to do with our balloons? Do we wait until the 19th or do we release them now? Kinda enjoy looking at them they make us smile! We are happy for the winner but a bit sad it happened this way. This is our first year here and it has been lots of fun. Do they close this blog down now or can Cami still have her food fight? Trying to be cheerful. Here is a cute little tune speaking of balloons! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCJRrG8m5Co&fe…
Alice and Soney, hang onto the balloons and keep smilingxD Thanks for the video!
Thanks areeve04 you are lots of fun to be around. We like your positive attitude. And we enjoy the stories you write. Thanks again!
We are having a piggy party instead of a pity party. So you get to eat what ever you want tonight,!! We can save the food fight for later.
I am literally laughing out loud…..very loud! You changed your picture!….still laughing!
Aloha Cami! Mahalo for Miss Piggy. Mahalo for being our friend! p.s. Just because they announced the DH winner early Soney and I will NOT Veromit all over our screen. So funny, a classic. Hawaii here we come! Take care!
Ohhhhh I just had a morbid thought. I must change my avi before we go to Hawaii. They bury their pigs with hot coals.
Good idea Cami you sure don't want to get roasted!
Too funny, Cami!
And they are having trouble with wild pigs running amok on the island. I don't think they will let you in with a pig avatar Cami! ^_^
Don't eat the piggy, don't eat the cute little piggy please!!!!!
Cami, sorry for the late reply but I already started on the grub…i shouldn't have but i did… had a box of swiss rolls, a box of strawberry shortcake rolls, some strawberries, some watermelons and last seafood. Ok. I ate too much and now paying the price
But i did enjoy the beginning party, wait til monday night…its going to be an all nighter! And I promise to take my medicine before I begin 
So let's pig out!
OK…. pig out time!
I want a whole banana creme pie.
I started my piggy party with Sweettart jelly beans. Hmmmm What's next on the menu. It smells like…. Ohhhhh nooooo, Costco Hot Dogs. Do they have Piggy in them? I'm not a cannibalistic pig!! However, if my hubby remembered to buy some sauerkraut I might be willing to partake just this one time.
I have almost completed my hot piggy dog consumption.. Like they say you are what you eat.
alice, thank you for your wonderful contributions to this blog–the experience has been delightful ! Do stay on the blog as long as you can–if it moves to the Green Home contest, we can see you there. Also HGTV's sister network DIY has a contest this summer with a home giveaway in Virginia– http://blog.diynetwork.com/blogcabin/ ( do you think soney would enjoy dog paddling around the shallows of Mobjack Bay in Susan, VA ? Or living it up in a fully renovated Victorian on a huge lot on the water ?) So many contests to come, and the blogs will follow..hope we see you again ! <3
Thank you LLColeman for your kind words. And thank you for the info. HGTV sure does have a lot of contests. I got a call from Rebuilding Seattle and they told me they picked a Project Manager and set the date to start fixing up our home. In a way we are already a Dream Home winner. They are going to start April 30th. Soney and I have a lot to do before then. We love to blog and will pop in here when we need a break or on one of the blogs you listed to say hi. Wow it is a rainin and a blowin outside and the lights keep going out. Mother Nature is trying to tell me to stop playing at the computer and get to work. Thanks again we love to read all you have to say. You are a great friend.
Congratulations on being selected to have your home renovated Alice! Rebuilding Seattle sounds great. Will check it out on the web later.Praying that all goes well for you during the renovation.
Oh, alice– I am so excited for you ! Rebuilding is such a great organization and I wish I could be there to help with your home. We will love seeing your posts whenever you have time…(don't over-do it getting ready ! )
As far as I can remember from last year the blog did not close down. We waited for the clues to start on the next dream home site lol. Onward to the next dream. This blog may get real slow until the clues begin but we will all be here. Love you
Soney and I love you too funfordot. Have to get off the computer we are having some stormy weather here in our neck of the woods. Isn't there a song out there called Stormy Weather? Take care talk to later.
I wasn't able to get the You tube link for you, but there is a wonderful video of the great Lena Horne singing " Stormy Weather"…..(she was in a fabulous movie eons ago called "Cabin In the Sky", sang that song; also had the fantastic Nicholas Brothers doing a jaw dropping dance routine)
Here is one version sung by a very young and beautiful Lena Horne:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCG3kJtQBKo
What a voice!
First of all, I would like to say Congratulations to the winners! And also to the new blessing they received within their family! Their new baby! I am very happy for you! This was my first time entering for the DH 2011 and I didn't know of any other entries for the others so I guess this is it for me:( Until next time! I am crying cause I had hoped and dreamed I would have been blessed to have a home instead of living in a hotel, but I am thankful for my Father has something big in store for me and all of us! I found it a pleasure to communicate with you all and meeting you! So let's party for the winner for DH and also US as well! God Bless You All!
You too JaRa:)…"Party On"
Love your attitude JaRa! God bless you as well!
And also Bless you too, Lessie! I believe alot of things happen for a reason, even with this situation that occuried earlier. I was wondering a few days back what if I won, would they wait til after my surgery and give me the keys or what. But, now I don't have to worry about that, but I will always claim the home that is being prepared for me and I know that there is a home for all those who are good in heart. Just maybe their needs were more than enough or more than another. I just know that I am thankful for them and all those that I have met here and those who I have yet to meet!
You made my day JaRa. Thanks!!!
Not good management here, poorly done.
I agree Capeandwaiting. But that's the way it goes sometimes.
Not sure why you are blaming management for a jealous neighbors actions???
Congratulations to Eric and Catherine Makstenieks, See you March 19th.
So the rules say, the Winner will be required to execute an affidavit of eligibility, a Non-Disclosure Agreement, and release of liability and publicity (where permitted by law), and return same, fully-executed, within five (5) days of date of issuance of prize notification. Was the non-disclosure not signed? They were notified yesterday. I don't understand how everything got out prior, as I did not see the post by the "neighbor. Jim Smith??" Just bummed.. Although I do agree with most people, it will be nice to get back to normalcy.
right on! agree with u tottally recount! lol
Well, we're all on the road to normalcy, Ckhjjohnson. Have a good journey!
We don't really know what happened. Many neighbors could have seen this excitement and blabbed about it, including "John Smith", so I can't say that the Non Disclosure Agreement was violated and neither can anyone else. I am happy for the winners and I don't want them disqualified because of a technicality that probably wasn't their fault. I'm moving on, too.
I dont see how they can honestly "not contact" the winners right away . I am sure they have to look into the winners, there are Im sure lots of papers and forms , ie " legal work" to be done before they get close to the 12th. I thought all along, that the winners would be notified soon after their name was picked. Its obvious now that it was done that way. Dont forget they say the ambush is ON OR ABOUT the 12th. Im sure HGTV knows what they are doing. I really did enjoy coming here and reading all the fun blogs. Blessings to the winning family. I'm very very happy for them.
Congratulations to the winners!!!
congrastulations… but im not gonna lie… i was really dissapionted to the piont of tears. i feel horrible to say this BUT, in order to keep my spirits up im tell ing myself that maybe theres still a chance. i mean honestly, i no this is horrible, but what if hgtv just wantd to play along with the john guy and reveal a fake winner so the winner cold be even more surprised?! theyv never said it erly befor. that would be a horible of hgtv to do, and its horible for me to say this, but i would like to keep my hopes up till saturday
and i am NOT happy they told us erly!!!!
Love your openess and honesty, Gymnasticsluvrr. Keep dreaming until Saturday. If it makes you feel better, I'll keep dreaming with you.
thanks
I like the way you think.
thanks, honestly i thought that the replies to this comment would be mean like "cant u just be happy for the winner" but apparently some ppl feel the same way as me
Congrats Eric & Cathy.
I am VERY dissapointed in HGTV though. This is kind of uncalled for.
I'm still kind of hoping Mary is tricking us and the whole Makstenieks thing was sham (they didn't show them in the picture)…but I doubt it.
Thanks HGTV
Congratulations to the Makstenieks — yesterday must have been your best Mardi Gras ever! Enjoy your new Dream Home!
This must have been a surprise for Monica Pedersen — she only lives about an hour away from Hinsdale!
To the Makstenieks: God Bless your family and enjoy every moment in your new home! Congrats!!!!
Well… I just logged on a little bit ago to read that HGTV made it official after john smith's boisterous leak was true. *sob*
Congratulations to the winners though. I hope they enjoy their windfall of good fortune.
To HGTV: Pop Quiz – How are your ratings going to be affected because of this?
I know I probably wont be hanging around on the web site much anymore and I will probably skip the give away special now, I wont even DVR it.
Sorry you're leaving Mslove333. Hope you check in with us every now and then.
I am less angry now so am returning to the blogs, *but* am boycotting the obsession of looking at all those videos and pictures of the home.
I've read through everyone's posts and I understand it might not be HGTV's fault and have even wondered if I ever did win in this small town would the same type of things happen? I just expected more I guess, I expected to hold out hope until the 12th-ish.
Oh well- I guess this might even be a good thing for HGTV because I am thinking about heading over to the green home and checking out that blog cabin thing, never have before-
Ok, now that I am past the shock part – Yes, everyone of us is disappointed that it was not our porch that they were standing on with those balloons. We ALL had the hopes and dreams that this couple had. We ALL had the butterflies every time the phone rang from an unfamiliar number. We ALL jumped when someone knocked on the door or pulled into the driveway. And yes … we were ALL shocked that this announcement came this early. Some of us are still hoping that this is some sort of practical joke by HGTV …
… yeah, I'm guilty.
Unfortunately, I think that this is the end of the Dream Home 2011 dreaming. Now all we have left is to congratulate the winners, and move on to the Green Home contest. Good luck with that one everyone.
I would like to REALLY congratulate the winners! Out of nearly 80M entries, they won. How awesome this must be for them! Congratulations again!
awesome for the winner….sooooo sad for me….lol…oh well better luck to us all next year….it was really fun y'allB)
back to reality, applying for more jobs and trying to make my life work. Congrats to the family!!!
Good luck on you job hunt!
thanks LOL I need it, applied to over 100 jobs, and I've had one interview for a nanny position, she offered me the job for $4.76 an hour! I was like WHAT? no way lol I can't live off that
Okay, first things first…only I'm not sure what should come first with this upside down, turned around winner's reveal!
So I'll start by thanking MARY and the powers-that-be at HGTV for deciding to confirm the hotly contested rumor about the Hinsdale, IL winner. They could have left us hanging for days on end …like puppets on a string. Now all is settled, we have our lives back, our hopes dashed, and the next sweeps to which we can look forward. As for the Makstenieks, may they enjoy every moment of their extraordinary gift.
Next, I want to say GREAT, I just spent the afternoon at the gym in case Monica was to show up at my door. All that effort, and what do I get for it? News that Ms. Pedersen will be a no-show at my house after all. I'm bummed out for sure.
Well, bloggers and fellow dreamers, we did our best…entering from day one right to the end. Even clinging to hope at the very last, despite what seemed like unimaginable events in the blogs today.
All I have left to say is, "where do I begin, to tell the story about what a wild day it's been?"
I like your intro at the end it seems to fit the day. I'll conclude by saying hello Green Home!! Come join our Piggy Party!!!
Oh for sure Coop, It was the wildest Ride we have had on the blogs for these homes-BUT thanks to you as always, we stayed rather calm and cool???
Frankly, after today I am truly glad it is over with …..Take Care of Yourself and have a GREAT Dinner on March 12th!
Onto The Green Home in Colorado——————————–>
Hi Cindy, and thank you for the thoughtful March 12th dinner wishes!
In answer to your second question, you all ready have!
Now you can attend your dinner party on Saturday evening without worrying about missing out on an ambush. You might just find a pot of boiling pasta.
Now to answer your first question. For all of your effort, you get stinky gym clothes.
OMG, THAT IS TOOOO FUNNY….ROTF
Hah, good one DHWinner! But actually, when my gym clothes get to that point, I make them walk home on their own!
Where have I been? I had no idea there was such a thing as athletic wear with built-in homing devices!
And yes, DHWinner, it was very thoughtful of MARY to "spill the beans" early so I could enjoy my dinner party this weekend. And EdinOregon calls her 'mean Mary.' If that were true, she would have let me suffer through my Saturday dinner, agonizing over whether I should be waiting by my front door instead.
So, hats off to MARY, everyone, for now we can wine and dine, sing and dance, twist and shout, and generally misbehave (take your pick, mix and match, one or all) through the entire glorious weekend….
Funny how things so often work out the way they're supposed to, just not always the way we thought they would! (Can someone explain that to me. I can't make any sense of it at all.) ^_^
It could be that Mary had her own wining, dining, singing, dancing, twisting, shouting and generally misbehaving plans for the weekend. Hmm?
I agree with you about things working out, but I have no explanation right now. It makes no sense to me either. My guess is that it will be in a way that I never dreamed possible!
Okay Coop for your sake I will give her a little slack on the "Mean Mary" title. Enjoy your dinner date! Maybe now she will get around that corner and tell us the location of the next Urban Oasis! Assuming she is not "Mean" anymore!
Well, at least we can try to win the blog cabin or the green home!
Well, it was fun while it lasted, but I am willing to move on to the next contest (Green Home here I come!) and I am really looking forward to Mary's location clues for the next Dream Home (and hopefully Hawaii here I come!).
Thanks for the early announcement Mary. So sorry it happened this way.
Lessie, bummer huh? LOL I am happy for them just bummed its over now I have nothing to look forward too, back to my boring life ha ha
Something like this would happen on a day I wasn't fully devoted to the blog. Catching up is a bummer!
It's hard to believe your life is boring KaitRT, especially since you light up the blogs.
aww thats nice of you to say Lessie thanks it's just boring right now, it will pick up once school starts and I find a job. The family must be soo excited!!! Can't wait to watch the show on the 19th!!
Consider this as your rest time, KaitRT. Hope you're getting plenty of rest because when things pick up, you may be exceptionally busy!
A dream fulfilled–how can the winners not be excited! We'll see how excited they are on the 19th.