Mary

Contributor to HGTV Dream Home

Mar 14

Exploring the Laundry Room

Happy Monday! Today, Super Fan takes you inside the laundry room and highlights some of the space’s most important features. Take a peek.


Posted at 9:28 am

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967 Comments

  1. WOO HOO! YOU GO! (complete with around the world, crisscross snap of the fingers) xD

    areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 9:25 pm
    • You go girl. That's what I'm talking about….S I Z Z L I N G !

      Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 11:44 pm
    • OOOO! The Z Snap! Love it!!

      Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 12:07 pm
  2. Well, I watched it.

    DHWinner on March 19, 2011 at 9:27 pm
  3. Two guys won this year—Eric and Jon. Congrats guys! Next year it's time for the ladies to win again.

    Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 9:29 pm
    • no, no Lessie we still have the Green Home and the Cabin, why wait for another DREAM HOME..The Green House I will not be doing BUT the Cabin come August 18th I will be doing.."It's My Birthday when that giveaway starts!" xxxxxFINGERS CROSSEDxxxxx :)

      Cindy on March 19, 2011 at 9:41 pm
      • My son's birthday is in August as well…..GREAT month!

        areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 9:42 pm
        • YA! FOR AUGUST BITHDAY'S~Now that is good sign areeve….better then a fortune cookie ;)

          Cindy on March 19, 2011 at 9:59 pm
          • I'm soooo pleased with my fortune cookie!!!!!! Do you think I should purchase a magic 8 ball….LOL:pxD

            areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 10:08 pm
          • If it doesn't come with a magic carpet, I wouldn't purchase one Areeve. But then it's your choice. What's your call?

            Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:23 pm
          • Lessie I sure did botch my last comment to you- it was one of my late nighters.
            Okay– what I was trying to say, is that the winner of the kitchen gifts lives in Mission Viejo Cali. Our Coop lives in San Diego. If one of our bloggers won, we would all find out pretty quick. In my case with the shawl winning, I was asked to send in some pictures, and so you guys found out very shortly after I did.

            There is a side story that I have been saving for a long time, but think that I can now share it with the group, and points out some things that a person that wins something may choose to tell the group or not. In my case you all know me and love me, and I feel comfy enough to tell.

            Janzee on March 20, 2011 at 9:50 pm
          • Lessie here is the part of the shawl winning story that I've kept to my personal self, and feel that it might be a good time to share it. It offers a postscipt about what a winner of any gift or winning may choose to share and not.

            Last year, just because, because I spent many years shopping at vintage stores, and was very budget conscious through the years with my personal spending, and just because I fell in love with the Sandia Home New Mexico, and everything HGTV including my favorite- the blogging community, I decided one day on a whim that I was going to buy the shawl that Monica Pederson made famous. That girl waved in the wind when she walked, and so I decided to gift myself with a memory of the shawl as a reminder… of all that I love about this place, so I called the gift shop and with only a few left on the rack I bought it.

            The Freebie Friday contest was still going on, but my attention was now on this blue wonder that I bought. I pranced around the mall, and then went to the assisted living center where I volunteer to show it off to the residents. One of the woman who has become a wonderful friend and shared family stories admired the shawl and she tried it on. It looked too magnificant on her for words. She works very hard to reach out to all of the folks she works with, so I wrapped it up the next day and brought it in as a surprise.

            Seems like two weeks passed, the Freebie Friday contest closed and I started to think that I would look online for a similar shawl. when I heard from HGTV via email. At first I thought it was a joke, and had to laugh about the O Henry twist to this story. The shawl has a new meaning for me, as it represents each person I have come to know and love.

            Janzee on March 20, 2011 at 10:26 pm
          • What a beautiful story, Janzee. A better person couldn't have won! Thank you for sharing this story with us. It's the best bedtime story I've read in a long time.

            The Giver Receives a Gift!

            Lessie on March 21, 2011 at 12:16 am
          • I was a little embarrassed to share this, and wanted to focus on the moment.

            Janzee on March 21, 2011 at 1:17 am
          • Oh Janzee, I knew you were a special person! How wonderfurl. I love this story, thanks for sharing.

            SweetLiz on March 21, 2011 at 12:32 am
          • Thank you soo much Liz, I feel so relieved that I told the story, and wanted to make a point on another note, that any winner even if they are among us, will have a moment of intense privacy after they win.

            Janzee on March 21, 2011 at 1:19 am
          • How is the Blog Cabin gang these days. I have to head over there tomorrow.

            Janzee on March 23, 2011 at 1:28 am
          • Oh yeah, before I forget. You may want to bring Lessie with you if things get…well…Roadhouseish (that's a new word starting today!). Eiffel = Swayze in my book.

            Lucyourdog on March 23, 2011 at 10:48 am
          • Janzee, what a wonderful story! Obviously you were meant to win that shawl as a reward for your unselfish generosity — something that we all see in you on this blog every time you comment! Thanks for sharing!

            CplusE on March 21, 2011 at 2:49 am
          • Dear CplusE, thank you, and feel that everyone of us guys and girls on this site has these amazing stories to share.

            Janzee on March 23, 2011 at 1:30 am
          • Hi Janzee, I've gone there a few times. My suggestion, nothing to extravagant or it could turn into … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laSOB7d2m-Y&fe… LOL !! I guess I'm still a young pup! ;)

            Lucyourdog on March 23, 2011 at 10:41 am
          • Janzee, this story touched my heart. You are an amazing woman!

            Wyo_Girl on March 21, 2011 at 10:40 am
          • Right back atcha kid, I get touched by everything everyone here shares.

            Janzee on March 23, 2011 at 1:31 am
        • Ah, TWO potential virtual winners. Let's see if Areeve's fortune cookie is true.

          Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:20 pm
      • You're right Cindy. What was I thinking?! The Green Home is virtually yours. Hopefully the virtual world is in sync with reality when the winner is announced. You agree?

        Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:19 pm
      • Cindy I can't get to your recent "under wraps" post to me. I originally posted it to Lessie and has a twinge of an O'Henry twist to it.

        Janzee on March 21, 2011 at 1:06 am
    • A guy also won the Blog Cabin!

      Nebraska on March 20, 2011 at 10:33 am
      • Forgot about that Nebraska. Maybe this is the year the guys win. Hope not! Sorry guys.

        Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 8:48 pm
        • A guy also won the Urban Oasis, so maybe this is the year for a woman to win that one as well!

          CplusE on March 21, 2011 at 2:51 am
  4. OMG, that was "it"?! Talk about anti-climactic and uninspired. I'm happy for the winner but couldn't he have looked a little more surprised. I'd have been dancing a jig and hugging everybody in sight.

    beehivestate on March 19, 2011 at 9:36 pm
    • I would have been jumping up and down, screaming and yelling, hyperventilating, laughing, crying….I think I would have looked like a total fool! Unless, of course, it wasn't really a surprise to me.

      DHWinner on March 19, 2011 at 9:42 pm
      • I agree with you DHWinner~it really didn't look like a suprise to the family_ I would have been passed out or an ambulance would have been there next to the new car…I just don't get the reactions-

        Cindy on March 19, 2011 at 9:52 pm
        • Then we would have been talking about you on the blog Cindy. Haven't you realized that nothing is ever good enough for us bloggers, unless it happens to us.

          My comment, if you had passed out, would probably have been, "Get up from there Cindy. Give us bloggers a shout out and tell us about the blogger party at your new place! My goodness girl, you can fall out later!" See, I told you we are a hard group to please. Now if you share that you won with me beforehand, I may be a little more gracious if I'm there when the ambush team arrives. :)

          Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:37 pm
      • Seems like they knew beforehand but that's fine. They won. I didn't. They're celebrating. I'm not. Does their win affect me? No. So……NEXT!

        Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:32 pm
    • That's the first surprise I've seen where the whole family is standing in a line when the doorbell rings. Even the baby was wrapped up and ready to be taken outside. That was the only non-surprise part of the whole show. Everything else was good. At least that's how I see it beehivestate.

      Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:27 pm
  5. I guess I don't need to watch it.

    Congrats to the winners.:)

    Cami on March 19, 2011 at 9:47 pm
    • Oh, yes! Watch it, Cami…..Remember….There is the pop quiz still to come tonight….probably after the West Coast programming….

      areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 10:00 pm
      • Do you really think they would post it at 11:00 PM?

        Cami on March 19, 2011 at 10:00 pm
        • Mary did say right after the special….She couldn't possibly post it before everyone has had a chance to watch….I would say 11:30 my time….8:30 your time:)….I'm staying up to check;)

          areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 10:05 pm
          • Another late night, Areeve. Good thing I'm staying up to watch the Super Moon again!

            Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:46 pm
          • Won't be another late night like last night, Lessie! I was out late last night hitting the dance floor with SW, and am bushed tonight….Have to finish that review tomorrow :)

            areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 11:10 pm
          • You and SW are a hot topic at Alice's Restaurant, Areeve. You guys entertained everyone on the dance floor. What a great night!

            Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 11:20 pm
          • Yes it was….The washtub punch wasn't too bad either….YUM!

            areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 11:46 pm
          • Pleasing to the eyes, pleasant to taste, and little to no kick. Good stuff Areeve!

            Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 11:56 pm
      • You think there's going to be a pop quiz tonight, Areeve. I know Mary said that but why so late for the east coasters. Maybe she'll give us a pop quiz when she posts a new blog.

        Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:45 pm
        • Well, East Coasters DID get to watch it first….Seems fair to me:)

          areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 11:09 pm
          • Details, details, details! It's the little things in life that gives us problems.

            Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 11:21 pm
        • That's my guess, Lessie, but if I'm wrong, will they mark me down a point on the pop quiz?

          Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 12:04 pm
          • Never Wyo_Girl! In fact, you may get an extra point!

            Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 8:51 pm
    • AND….The family really is cool!

      areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 10:00 pm
      • Seems like it! Wonder who's going to sign and deposit the check?

        Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:50 pm
        • I like it that Eric said that he was going to take his big check to "my big bank"!

          Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 12:04 pm
    • AND….John Gidding….Need I say more….LOL

      areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 10:00 pm
      • Eye candy, Areeve. Arm candy is better.

        Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:48 pm
        • I'm happy with ANY John Gidding Candy….LOL

          areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 10:59 pm
          • That's good, Areeve. IF you're the winner of an HGTV home, maybe you can have him as ARM Candy as he gives you a tour of the home. Nice, right?

            Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 11:11 pm
          • Starting to feel guilty talking about John Gidding like this….Yes, he most definitely is gorgeous….He also is smart…graduated from Harvard….AND he comes across as pretty cool with his personality on camera….Much more to this gentleman than merely candy….I'd feel guilty talking about ANYONE though like this:S=/

            areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 11:35 pm
          • HGTV knows what attracts, Areeve. John's talent and looks got him the job as well as his camera appeal. If you're uncomfortable talking about John, no problem. We won't discuss him anymore.

            Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 12:03 am
          • I don't mind talking about John at all…Just not in regard to candy….thanks for understanding Lessie! You're TERRIFIC!

            areeve04 on March 20, 2011 at 12:08 am
          • No problem Areeve. I'll just say "SWEET!" from now on. :)

            Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 12:15 am
    • Watch it Cami, you'll be glad you did afterwards. It's not a bad show. My reason for the "flatness" of the show is that we knew who the winners were beforehand. Other than that, it's a good show.

      Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:44 pm
      • Cami (whispering) I've noticed more peace on the blogs so far.. I was worried we'd have another round of miserable people.

        Cami on March 19, 2011 at 11:02 pm
        • Lessie (whispering) This is the best reaction ever after a reveal announcement Cami.

          Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 11:12 pm
          • Areeve (howling) It's the moon:)

            areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 11:36 pm
          • (whispering) I took a look at previous blogs, and most of the whining is over there. Shhh, I hope they don't find us hiding in the laundry room. Nothin' in here but some dirty socks!

            Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 12:06 pm
        • I think that's because we've had plenty of time to recover, Cami.

          DHWinner on March 20, 2011 at 12:06 am
  6. I missed it, I really wasn;t interested since we know who won, but, I just wanted to see the reactions. beehivestate had it best, me too, I'd be jumping all over my house, and no one, would be able to settle me down. I hope when Eric and Katie were surprised someone captured that on video, that would be nice to see.
    Since I missed it, I read one blogger say their house was nice, and in an afleunt area, can someone comment on that. Someone also said that Eric was going to school and didn;t have a job, really? How do you handle a mortgage with no income, hmmm, not sure, some info on that would be nice.
    I'm happy for them, but maybe sometime someone in the west could win, since we live in AZ, and HGTV has built houses in the west, and even then no one from the west won.
    Eric and Katie, I hope you take the time to really appreciate your good fortune, and enjoy that new baby.
    for me and my team, GO U OF A

    weatherstation on March 19, 2011 at 9:57 pm
    • Weatherstation, none of that was discussed on the show, other than Eric being a stay at home dad. As far as I could see their house was a typical house in a normal neighborhood. His wife Katie works. You know the win was probably a very good thing for them. I'm sure they can use the money just like the rest of us.

      Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 10:55 pm
    • Hi weatherstation. There are websites that show how much the winners paid for their current home.

      DHWinner on March 19, 2011 at 10:57 pm
    • If my house was in their hood it might be worth more than theirs. It all depends on where you live. Mine is worth 4 – 5 times less than the average home in that neighborhood. Sheesh are the streets lined in gold or what. Affluent neighborhood? I guess so…. Nice house? Not from what I saw.

      Cami on March 19, 2011 at 11:09 pm
      • I think it's location. I probably couldn't afford my home if I lived in California, but it would be so much cheaper if I lived in Texas. Location, location, location.

        Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 11:14 pm
        • I love House Hunters when they're showing beautiful large brick homes on large lots for under $300,000.00. I say Dang!! I'm moving down there, so I can live in a mansion. I can't afford a $300,000.00 home right now, but it's more than what I can get here.

          Cami on March 19, 2011 at 11:23 pm
          • Remember this is the Dream Home blog. You can afford anything here. You want to live in a million dollar home, go for it Cami.

            Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 12:07 am
  7. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR SON, NEBRASKA!

    areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 9:58 pm
  8. I think the Kewlest thing on here if John Perkins=DBCoop because he keeps saying he will be SOMEONE ELSE..Does the person who won the housewarming gifts actually the runner up on these DREAM HOUSES? Interesting….

    Cindy on March 19, 2011 at 10:34 pm
    • Lessie Jon Perkins, lives in Mission Viejo which is sixty miles or so from San Diego. In my case, I was asked by the group to send in pics, and so you guys knew shortly after I found out. I think Coops metamorphasis if it had to do with a win, we would know. Also there is been something I have been keeping to myself under wraps if you will, for about a year, and I know that my comic relief will not be taken the wrong way when I share this, cause you all love me just the same. So I will reveal the story upon request.

      Janzee on March 20, 2011 at 12:37 am
      • ???? Janzee : REVEAL THE STORY this is on request! And of course you know that all us BLOGGERS love you dearly… START typing Janzee what have you been keeping under wraps for a solid year now.. Do tell, we are anxiously waiting for a response.. *smile*

        Cindy on March 20, 2011 at 6:30 pm
      • Have you already met Coop, Janzee? If so, we want details. Coop, don't worry. We'll keep your secret. ;)

        Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 9:17 pm
    • I think he lives in Mission Viejo, Lessie, which is about 75 miles north of San Diego. I wonder if he's a blogger?

      Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 12:02 pm
      • If he's a blogger Wyo_Girl, I sure hope he lets us know.

        Jon, if you're a blogger, sure hope you're not upset that I revealed your name before you saw the special (even though you probably already knew you were the winner).

        Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 9:21 pm
    • Cindy, please accept my apology. In my rush last night, I read your comment incorrectly. I thought you wrote, " I think the KRewlest,,," and it didn't make sense to me. Now I know why, DUH! Please disregard my previous comment. In fact, I'll delete it now.

      Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 9:12 pm
      • Lessie after ALL these years on these BLOGS–I truly don't take anything personal on here–it is your comment and how you feel–you don't have to delete anything..
        The only time I truly have ever deleted anything myself was when comments was going so negative about the JSmith incident..and if commenter's were picking on others that shared the same feeling that I did.. "No worries Lessie…" As I tell my kids the way I feel about something you might be able to change my mind if you tell me how you feel..
        That is why this place is called "IntenseDEBATE!" And I love your comments whether I might not feel the same way as you.. ok?? "Have a GREAT DAY Lessie.."

        Cindy on March 21, 2011 at 6:01 am
  9. no ambush…..no balloons…….no Dream Home….I am truely depressed…..:$

    violetrose39 on March 19, 2011 at 10:39 pm
    • So sorry you're depressed Violetrose. Sure hope you feel better in the morning!

      Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 11:03 pm
  10. It's just that I was so happy for them and THEY didn't even seem excited. Thanks HGTV for the dreamtime, it got me through a long winter.

    beehivestate on March 19, 2011 at 10:45 pm
  11. Are west coasters watching the Dream Home presentation now? Let me know what you think.

    Lessie on March 19, 2011 at 11:09 pm
  12. I kept looking at the houses across the street and wondering if we could see Mr. Smith staring out the window.

    DHWinner on March 19, 2011 at 11:26 pm
    • There's a Mr. Smith in every neighborhood. ;) :p

      Cami on March 19, 2011 at 11:34 pm
    • I think I may have seen someone hiding under the GMC Acadia Denali. You'd have to be mighty curious….

      DBCoop on March 19, 2011 at 11:42 pm
      • Do you think Eric accidentally mistook the gas pedal for the brakes….LOL…Just a little bump in the road

        areeve04 on March 19, 2011 at 11:55 pm
    • I think every Street has a John Smith (nosey neighbor). I know I do. This guy across the hall gives me the creeps. If I would have won, I would worry about him. Very Creeepy.

      debbielee27 on March 20, 2011 at 1:04 am
  13. Ok, before I fall asleep at my computer…any word on this POP Quiz???

    Cindy on March 20, 2011 at 12:14 am
    • It will probably be Mary's next thread, either on Monday or Tuesday.

      Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 12:03 pm
  14. By the way, I have a suggestion for next year's Dream Home "ambush." First, pass on the big red ribbon for the giveaway vehicle. (Talk about a red flag!) Forget the HGTV Dream Home sign on the vehicle's side door panels. That's kind of obvious to casual onlookers as well. Keep the camera crew to a minimum —maybe just one person with a small videocam. Finally, ditch the balloon bouquet … well, kind of. Just have the Surprise Team Host(ess) carry the balloons in their pocket, and wheel a small oxygen tank up to the front door. Once the winner answers the door, step inside and everyone can start blowing up balloons and rehearsing for the ambush video shots.

    Now, in that case, nobody's going to figure out what's going on at the neighbors house and jump online to blab it to the world! Of course, on the other hand, they could think it was an unmarked car from the DEA making a drug bust. THAT definitely wouldn't go over well, especially since the DH winner isn't supposed to disclose their win until after the televised special. Imagine the complications after a couple weeks of self-imposed silence against a flurry of neighborhood rumors!

    DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 12:15 am
    • And on that note..your night is still young DBCoop and mine is OLD..BUT tomorrow is a day off for me after 6 days straight of working……We might not have gotten this dream house but there are others to follow…this year of the 15th Dream House was a bit weird to say the least…just wish John Smith didn't ruin it for all of us.. such is life..
      MY FAVORITE DREAMS at the moment is that I just need to close my eyes to find them!
      so Good Night to one and All

      Cindy on March 20, 2011 at 12:23 am
    • My idea!! Very short. Drive up in a luxury motorhome. Send a regular Joe up to the door to lure the winner and family out. Monica can stand at her own door to say surpise then take the winner and family for a ride to finalize the details. The neighbors will just think someone's Grandma and Grandpa came.

      Cami on March 20, 2011 at 12:34 am
      • Good idea, Cami, with one small addition. Have our Editorial Manager drive the motorhome. When the winner and family are on board, MARY can drive them around the corner, and by the time they find their way back home, it'll be time to televise the Winner's Special.

        DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 11:53 am
        • I have a feeling Mary doesn't know how to round corners very well.. She might plow through the neighbors house down the street, and keep on going straight. It'll look like the most peculiar tornado path in history, since they usually don't go in a straight line for miles.

          Cami on March 20, 2011 at 1:00 pm
        • Our editorial manager, Coop? You know something we don't. Sounds like an inside joke to me.

          Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 9:33 pm
          • Hi Lessie. I don't know if you've looked at the Urban Oasis blog lately, but Mary's last blog in January said the next Urban Oasis location announcement is right around the corner. We've been making jokes about her not being able to turn the corner and other silly posts.

            Cami on March 20, 2011 at 11:55 pm
          • Well, um, Lessie, editorial manager is simply MARY's job title. I'm not making it up!

            Just like my title, which is blogger trainee. Another few years and I'll get the hang of it.

            DBCoop on March 21, 2011 at 12:37 am
      • Great idea Cami. Not sure I'd get in, but it's still a great idea.

        Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 9:30 pm
        • You wouldn't get in if Monica is standing in the little doorway with your $500,000. check in hand. I'd scream and cry and jump up and down, and then get in and finish my spectacle. If any of the neighbors happened to see me, they'd probably just assume I hadn't seen my Grandma and Grandpa in years. Maybe they should bring a Grandma and Grandpa for me to hug just to make it look authentic.

          Cami on March 21, 2011 at 12:03 am
    • Sounds good Coop, but you forgot one thing. Do it at night when its dark. DEA, FBI, CIA, John Smith, LOL.

      debbielee27 on March 20, 2011 at 12:59 am
      • That's a good one Debbielee. Only need the ambush team to act like the "jump out boys" and rush to the door. The camera crew can arrive in a "news" car and quickly set up their gear to catch the scene. That would keep my neighbors going for weeks. Oh, I'd love an ambush like that!

        Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 9:41 pm
    • Too funny! And we're the block captains for Neighborhood Watch. Everybody would be calling us to see what's up. If they saw the oxygen tank, they'd be calling the EMT's and five paramedics would shortly arrive with flashing lights. (This is a very small town, there are no secrets!)

      beehivestate on March 20, 2011 at 1:11 am
    • And those gorgeous people that show up with balloons, maybe they should put a burlap mask, over their faces and hop to the the front door so the neighbors think they are playing some kind of an obstacle course game.

      Janzee on March 20, 2011 at 2:37 am
    • So funny, Coop! I really like the idea of DIY balloon bouquets with an oxygen tank, although helium might work better. Then they could sound like Mickey Mouse on the video.

      When I was watching, I saw those neighbors standing behind the cameras. I wonder if "John Smith" was standing there, too.

      Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 11:53 am
    • I think last nights SuperMoon had something to do with it?? B) With what? Ahh, with THAT. I think SuperNova Coop 007 will be put back on assignment to resolve the latest mysteries…Uhmm, rumors. Coop this assignment might be complicating. I'll be skywatching.

      Lucyourdog on March 20, 2011 at 12:45 pm
  15. Good night every bloggie! Hopefully we will have our pop quiz soon:)

    areeve04 on March 20, 2011 at 12:16 am
    • :)

      Cindy on March 20, 2011 at 12:24 am
  16. Hi everyone. I watched the HGTV lolapalooza night in which Eric and Katie and their kids are the proud new owners of the DH. Good job Monica, and Jon, keep those balloons blown up for the next giveaway.Katie and Eric's little guy looked so cute in the Dinalli.

    As an aside, it's kind of neat to know that on the same night that this gorgeous full round light filled moon shined into my family room that the same gorgeous moon could be seen at your place too. I found myself looking out between commercials dreaming about the next opportunity to win,a DH and all of the fun we've had on the blog.<3<3<3

    Janzee on March 20, 2011 at 1:08 am
    • There is moonlight on Vermont's snowy slopes; there's moonlight on Mobjack Bay by the Blog Victorian on Virginia's coast (would I love to see that right about now; we have a monsoon hitting us & cannot see the Super Moon tonight )–there is moonlight wherever you are too. <3

      LLColeman on March 20, 2011 at 2:24 am
      • What beauty in your words dear one. I wish I was there in a quilting circle making crocheted hats for the kids in Japan. I send you light of the moon my friend, and pray that we dont have any itchy quaakies in Cali or anywhere else in this whole world.

        Janzee on March 20, 2011 at 2:32 am
      • LL, did you see the Super Moon Friday night? Are you really having a monsoon? got your evac plans together?

        Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 9:47 pm
        • Hi Lessie–last night was pouring rain but monsoon it was not–only about an inch of rain…tonight sprinkles but too cloudy to see the less- than- full moon. We had 50 mph. winds too but today it was calm.

          LLColeman on March 21, 2011 at 12:22 am
    • Well said, Janzee and LLColeman!

      areeve04 on March 20, 2011 at 9:20 am
  17. So I just finished watching the the show and I have to say that it was very disappointing, this is my first year entering and I would have thought that the winner would have been much happier. And the fact that Monica did not even knock on the door but they knew to open it was a shocker to me. That kinds of make the whole thing look sooooo fake. I think that there should be a better way of surprising the winner. It would make their ratings sooo much better. The family just looked like ok we won, shoo I would have been jumping up and down and most likely crying because it would be such a dream come true, and that would be even if I knew before hand because to have them pull up with my new truck and huge check would get me going…. But I guess winning is just another moment in some peoples lives, and those of us that have never won anything the world would know it. lol But congrats to the winning family.
    And I truly hope that HGTV finds a better way of reveling the winner next year!!!!

    keturyah12 on March 20, 2011 at 3:57 am
    • Thanks for the review, after HGTV announced the winner a week ago I lost interest in the "surprise" show. You're right , it's time to revamp the winners announcement.

      BluSky on March 20, 2011 at 8:34 am
    • Sorry you were disappointed. I think she did ring the doorbell, so that's probably how they knew to open the door. They seemed like they were overwhelmed, and I think that different people react to huge news like this in different ways. I think I would have been just like them, feeling like it was almost a dream, but I know others would be jumping up and down and screaming like you. I guess I wouldn't really know unless it happened to me, and I sure wish that I get to find that out one of these years!

      Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 11:49 am
      • I've actually practiced what I'd do…..including looking into the camera with a big thumbs up while I say, "Hi, every bloggie!" In all honesty, though….who knows….I would probably lose my dignity, screaming, crying, jumping up and down….then again, I could just be speechless (Takes a lot to make me speechless…LOL)….You are right, Wyo-Girl….Not quite sure what I would ACTUALLY do….Can't wait to find out when they show up at my door:p;)xD

        areeve04 on March 20, 2011 at 4:06 pm
    • I just can't see Eric jumping up and down in excitement. I know my husband would be frozen and wouldn't even be able to speak.. Catherine or (Catie) Just had a baby… No jumping up and down allowed. Drs. orders. It would be a bit painful, even after 6 weeks.

      Cami on March 20, 2011 at 1:08 pm
  18. Happy first day of spring, everyone!

    “Spring is sprung,
    The grass is riz,
    I wonder where the flowers is.
    The bird is on the wing —
    Absurd!
    Of course the wing is on the bird!”
    – Anon.

    (There are many variations of this poem, but this is the one I liked best! )

    A new season begins, the cute Makstenieks family has their new Dream Home prize, Mr. Perkins has his housewarming gifts, and the rest of us are ready to move on to the Green Home, Blog Cabin, Dream Home 2012, and the next Urban Oasis! Tally ho, y'all, and good luck! :D

    CplusE on March 20, 2011 at 8:22 am
  19. Okay I hope they do a repeat of the special. I didn't get to watch. I was celebrating my sons birthday- He got me a present! Isn't that wonderful? I love it when the maturity hits – He said it was to say thank you for him. (BTW its a Kindle something I have been coveting for a while.)

    ALL RIGHT MARY onto the locations for the Urban Oasis #2 and Dream Home #16.

    Nebraska on March 20, 2011 at 10:43 am
    • I was thinking about you and your son's birthday yesterday! Wow! For his birthday he got you a present….How cool! Those electronic books are amazing….You can even share books with him if he has one.

      areeve04 on March 20, 2011 at 4:10 pm
    • You have an amazing son, Nebraska! Enjoy our Kindle.

      Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 10:11 pm
  20. I think it was Mary who said that there would be a pop quiz, and she probably meant that on Monday or Tuesday she'd post a new thread with questions about the special. Sorry you were disappointed in the show, Lucyourdog. Now we need to get our spirits up to dream big for the Green Home!

    Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 11:46 am
    • So true Wyo_Girl!! Like any relationship I just needed to be express my true feelings this morning. I guess I was overwhelmed with disappointment. Do you have any idea how they pick the winner for the house warming gifts? I'm not disappointed about that (Trust me on this one)…just curious for the rest of us? Also, I guess I've gone astray about the whole Exploring the Wash Room post? Okay, I fell down, I shook the dust off, and I'm ready for the 2012 clue for the Dream Home!! Also, bring on the Green Home and definitely the DIY Blog Cabin. I checked it out and the views seem amazing, "By the Sea"!!! Oh, coincidentally by the sea just happens to be leading the polls on the Dream Home main page!! Thanks Wyo for patting the dust off my back! :)

      Lucyourdog on March 20, 2011 at 12:04 pm
      • I'm glad you got it all out, Lucy's owner (I like the name Lessie gave you!). BTW, it's probably safer here in the laundry room than in any of the other blogs. It seems that the one where they announced the winner has quite a few sore losers in there. I'm with you, though; I'm ready for a new blog. Maybe the pop quiz that areeve is dying to take. I'm going to look on her paper, or on Lessie's, since she followed the show closely. Oh, and not sure how they picked the winner for the housewarming gifts. This is the first year that they awarded a second set to someone — usually they just go to the winners.

        Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 12:27 pm
      • Also, did I see that you are from Maine? We visited there in October for the first time. Beautiful state!

        Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 12:27 pm
        • Yes we are living in Maine Wyo. It's a gorgeous state with lots of good people. October is a great time to visit. The colors that time of year are Super Moon looking. Sorry I couldn't think of the NAME to describe it??

          Lucyourdog on March 20, 2011 at 1:42 pm
          • I can't get back to your original post about the "Roadhousie". I just wanted to let you know that when Lesssie and I show up together, along with the rest of these blog wonderfuls, there is likely to be big time comedy, perhaps some story telling, and at the most some very delicious pie throwing upon agreement from the recipient of course. I made some for any upcoming celebration blog parties.

            Janzee on March 23, 2011 at 6:37 pm
  21. OMG OMG OMGGGG U MAKE ME WANnA SAY OOOOOOO0OOOOOOO0O00 MY GOSH OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

    ismert101 on March 20, 2011 at 11:50 am
  22. I AM VERY BOARD

    ismert101 on March 20, 2011 at 11:50 am
    • There are so many things you can do to elevate boredom, this blog will certainly offer tremendous creativity, you'll meet great people and fun.

      Janzee on March 21, 2011 at 1:30 am
  23. DREAMING 4 THE DREAM HOME AND I NEED FOLLOWERS

    ismert101 on March 20, 2011 at 11:50 am
  24. I WANT DREAM HOME SO BAD

    ismert101 on March 20, 2011 at 11:52 am
    • Hi ismert101 and welcome to the blog. Well it's a good time to have your hopes and dreams on the Green Home, Blog Cabin, and next years HGTV DREAM HOME and Urban Oasis. The fun begins in April when we can enter the Green Home in Stapleton Colorado and we look forward to hearing and guessing where the new DH is located.

      Janzee on March 21, 2011 at 1:28 am
  25. Thanks to Lessie for giving a play-by-play of the special. I watched it on my DVR before I got on the blogs this morning, and it was fun to relive the excitement with the bloggers. I think I'm in the minority, but I kind of liked that they announced Eric's name early and didn't really pretend that it was a live show. I know they need to tweak the announcement, but I think it's better this way than thinking all day that they are actually coming to your house and running to the windows every five minutes during the reveal. They also didn't ask "could it be you?", since we knew it couldn't.

    Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 12:20 pm
  26. The little boy sitting in the backseat of the Denali was very sweet when Monica asked him if it was comfortable and stylish and he said "yes." Thinking it over last night, I decided these people must've just been in shock. We have extended family in Stowe and they said the Dream House was really good for the area and that tours of the house made thousands of $$$ for the Mt. Mansfield ski school program. It was a fun contest and I look forward to next time. Thanks HGTV!!!

    beehivestate on March 20, 2011 at 12:59 pm
    • Love your attitude, beehivestate. Where in Utah do you live? I live in Star Valley, Wyoming, so we get Salt Lake TV. I think I know more names of places in Utah than in Wyoming, since we watch the weather every day on KSL!

      Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 1:38 pm
      • Hey, Wyoming Girl, I've been through Star Valley many times on the way to the Tetons and Jackson Hole. I always thought Star Valley was one of the most beautiful places I've seen! I live in Midway, which is just around the corner from Park City, but I have only been here 3 1/2 years. Before that, we were in the Tacoma, WA area. It's all God's country! Midway is a little Swiss Village town of about 2700 wonderful people. We are "famous" for our harvest festival, "Swiss Days," held right before Labor Day, when over 100,000 people come here for all the fun.

        beehivestate on March 20, 2011 at 3:21 pm
        • I haven't been to Midway, but my friend teaches scuba classes at Homestead Crater one weekend a year. I'm going with friends to Salt Lake for a convention this Friday, and we will of course stop at the Park City Outlets on the way. I'll wave in your direction!

          Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 3:34 pm
          • I live about a mile from the Homestead, never been swimming in the crater though. When you see the signs that say Heber City, Midway is right nearby.

            beehivestate on March 20, 2011 at 4:42 pm
  27. I loved the special – and I'm sure that the winners were OVER-whelmed not UNDER-whelmed (or even JUST-whelmed). And as to an "unexpected" winner reveal – I don't think even HGTV can top the way things came out this year. AND, I'm sure they don't want to.:)

    Katieismypal on March 20, 2011 at 2:36 pm
    • yeah i am so sad i missed the special!!! :( :(:(

      ismert101 on March 20, 2011 at 2:45 pm
  28. How carefully did you watch the Dream Home 2011 Winner's Special?

    While we wait for more fun and games on the Dream Home blog, and maybe even a pop quiz from MARY, we can still enjoy a bloggers' bash among fellow dreamers with a little quiz of our own. If you watched the HGTV Dream Home Winner's Special on Saturday evening, March 19th, you'll probably get most of these correct. Even better if you recorded it, then you can ace the quiz!

    (You can post your answers, if you wish, to my last post of this quiz. Or wait until I post the answers to tell your fellow bloggers how you did. I'll provide all the correct answers … eventually!)

    Have fun!

    DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:00 pm
    • 1. How many entries were there for the 2011 Dream Home?
      a. 73,456,272
      b. 78,227,546
      c. 76,546,227
      d. 70,123,789

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:01 pm
    • 2. What ball number was selected from the hopper?
      a. 101
      b. 291
      c. 023
      d. 197

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:01 pm
    • 3. The number of wire bins with mail-in entries this year?
      a. 16
      b. 31
      c. 22
      d. 26

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:02 pm
    • 4. What computer key did Mr. Jim Samples hit to select the winner?
      a. enter key
      b. space bar
      c. alt, control, delete
      d. shift key

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:03 pm
    • 5. Who skis into the opening scene of the show?
      a. Jack Thomasson
      b. DB Coop
      c. Jim Samples
      d. John Gidding

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:03 pm
    • 6. Who's shown packing their suitcase?
      a. Eric Makstenieks
      b. Mary Graff
      c. Monica Pedersen
      d. Katie Makstenieks

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:04 pm
    • 7. What color overcoat is Monica Pedersen wearing?
      a. Red
      b. Gold
      c. Blue
      d. Leopard print

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:04 pm
    • 8. The approximate retail value of the entire Grand Prize package is?
      a. 2,314,489
      b. 2,051,120
      c. 1,753,435
      d. 1,201,120

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:05 pm
    • 9. What's the color of the GMC Acadia Denali parked in the DH garage?
      a. Black
      b. White
      c. Red
      d. Blue

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:06 pm
    • 10. Which is Linda Woodrum's favorite room in the Dream Home?
      a. Annex
      b. Master Bedroom
      c. Kitchen
      d. Gathering Room

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:07 pm
    • 11. What four woods dominate the interior?
      a. Pine, Cedar, Birch, Maple
      b. Oak, Cypress, Pine, Walnut
      c. Mahogany, Cherry, Maple Birch
      d. Cedar, Pine, Teak, Poplar

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:07 pm
    • 12. The Kitchen Island seats 6. How many does the Dining Room seat?
      a. Ten
      b. Six
      c. Eight
      d. Twelve

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:08 pm
    • 13. Which mountain provides a scenic view from the Master Bedroom?
      a. Mt. Baldy
      b. Mt. St Helens
      c. Mt. San Jacinto
      d. Mt. Mansfield

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:09 pm
    • 14. How many feet in height of Tweed curtain is used between the Master Bdrm/Bath?
      a. 17
      b. 14
      c. 09
      d. 15

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:09 pm
    • 15. What season and colors are shown on the Living Room large-screen TV?
      a. Winter – black, gray, and white
      b. Autumn – red, gold, and rust
      c. Spring – green, yellow, gold
      d. Summer – red, green, and pink

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:10 pm
    • 16. John Gidding said that the Guest Room furnishings were inspired by?
      a. a Vermont B&B
      b. a 5-star boutique hotel
      c. an eco-lodge
      d. MARY's HGTV office

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:11 pm
    • 17. The darker tones of the Guest Room were suggested by?
      a. the outfit Linda Woodrum was wearing that day
      b. a cloudy, overcast day
      c. the boulders outside the window
      d. none of the above

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:12 pm
    • 18. How did Linda W and Jack T make use of the ground floor stairwell area?
      a. a chest and bookshelves
      b. a glass hutch and storage ottoman
      c. storage cabinets
      d. baby grand piano

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:13 pm
    • 19. The winner's hometown of Hinsdale is a suburb of?
      a. Detroit
      b. Cleveland
      c. Des Moines
      d. Chicago

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:14 pm
    • 20. How did Monica Pedersen get the Makstenieks to answer the door?
      a. knocked on the front window
      b. rang the doorbell
      c. knocked on the door
      d. yelled "is anybody home?"

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:16 pm
    • 21. Who answered the door?
      a. Katie Makstenieks
      b. John Smith
      c. Rahm Emanuel
      d. Eric Makstenieks

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:18 pm
    • 22. What are the names of the Makstenieks two children?
      a. John and Monica
      b. Anna and Nathan
      c. Jack and Linda
      d. Coop and Terri

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:20 pm
    • 23. How many times have the Makstenieks been to Stowe?
      a. One
      b. Four
      c. None
      d. Seven

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:23 pm
    • 24. Who also won the HGTV Dream Home housewarming gifts?
      a. EdinOregon
      b. Tony Perkins
      c. Lucyourdog
      d. Jon Perkins

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:26 pm
    • 25. Where does the winner of the DH housewarming gifts live?
      a. El Centro
      b. San Juan Capistrano
      c. Mission Viejo
      d. Laguna Beach

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:29 pm
    • The final bonus question:

      Who will win Dream Home 2012?
      a. Someone Else
      b. Yours Truly, DBCoop
      c. A fellow blogger
      d. You will

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:33 pm
    • AND YOUR ANSWERS ARE????

      DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 3:38 pm
      • Thanks Coop! This was fun!
        OK….There are about three that are truly iffy for me….Here are my answers…
        1. C 76,546,227
        2. D 197
        3. C? 22
        4. B Space Bar
        5. D John Gidding
        6. C Monica Pedersen
        7. A Red
        8. B 2,051,120
        9. A Black
        10. C Kitchen
        11. A Pine, cedar, birch, maple
        12. A 10
        13. D Mt. Mansfield
        14. A 17
        15. C? Spring
        16. B Five star hotel
        17. C Boulders
        18. A Chest and bookcase
        19. D Chicago
        20. B Rang the doorbell
        21. D Eric Mastenieks
        22. B Anna and Nathan
        23. C None
        24. D Jon Perkins
        25. C? Mission Viejo (Can't remember for sure…I know it is California)
        26. E Areeve
        xD

        areeve04 on March 20, 2011 at 4:35 pm
        • Ha! I love your bonus answer areeve04.

          Lucyourdog on March 20, 2011 at 4:39 pm
      • Here's my answers Coop, even though I've looked at everyone's to see if I'm right. It's a shame to copy and still not get the correct answers.

        1. C 76+
        2. B 291
        3. D 26
        4. B Space Bar
        5. D John
        6. C Monica
        7. A Red
        8. B 2,051,120
        9. A Black
        10. C Kitchen
        11. A Pine, Cedar, Birch, Maple
        12. A 10
        13. D Mt. Mansfield
        14. A 17
        15. Autumn or Spring, both would be good
        16. B Five star boutique hotel
        17. C Boulders
        18. A Chest and bookcase
        19. D Chicago
        20. B Rang the doorbell
        21. D Eric
        22. Anna and Nathan
        23. C None
        24. D Jon Perkins
        25. C Mission Viejo
        Bonus: Eiffel

        Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 11:12 pm
    • Well done SuperCoop. I can honestly say I might get a "B" from areeve04 because even though I watched the special I might have missed a few. Oh well, let the bashing start w/ me!

      Lucyourdog on March 20, 2011 at 4:00 pm
      • Lucyourdog…You are an absolute A in my book! BTW: There were three that were truly iffy…Guess I need to study a bit more:SxD

        areeve04 on March 20, 2011 at 4:41 pm
    • Great pop quiz, Coop! I really like the fact that Rahm Emanuel is the Makstenieks' doorman. He's a busy guy!

      Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 4:04 pm
    • Great Coop! Now Mary will have to come up with completely different questions or be dubbed a cheater for copying your quiz..
      She's probably crossing off her "would be" questions right now. I'll be she's regreting not posting the quiz first.
      After everyone is done giving their answers, I'll just copy off their paper.;)B)

      Cami on March 20, 2011 at 4:29 pm
      • I don't know, Cami. Either MARY's going to say "great, dodged that one!" Or she's going to head off back around the corner to cool off a bit before posting her pop quiz and commentary. As they say, it might not be wise to post a pop quiz before the editorial manager posts hers. However, in my defense, I figured MARY's busy with the Green Home activity, the possible Urban Oasis information, and a new round of voting/polls coming up for the Blog Cabin. I had her best interests in mind. Hopefully she sees it that way too, or the next question could be "whatever happened to the recently missing DBCoop? Is he off sailing the seven seas somewhere, or has he been sent to the principal's office for an indeterminate amount of down time?"

        DBCoop on March 20, 2011 at 8:38 pm
    • OK, I guess I'll post my answers since Areeve did.
      1.) C
      2.) B
      3.) D
      4.) B
      5.) D
      6.) C
      7.) A
      8.) B
      9.) A
      10.) C
      11.) A
      12.) C
      13.) D
      14.) B
      15.) C
      16.) B
      17.) C
      18.) A
      19.) D
      20.) B
      21.) D
      22.) B
      23.) C
      24.) D
      25.) B
      Bonus: D – We will xD

      Lucyourdog on March 20, 2011 at 5:49 pm
    • WOW! Is all I can say with this POP QUIZ you did DBCoop!!! WELL DONE!
      Are you sure you are not in real life Jon Perkins?~sure would have been nice if you had won something from HGTV with all the years you have been on this blog.

      Mary, if you are reading this~but with my doubts since it hasn't felt like you have been on here for over a week now leaving us with the Mr. John Smith
      DBCoop deserves some kind of AWARD from HGTV for being the most "Admirable HGTV Fan
      for all these years!!
      ALL that agree with me START TYPING!

      Cindy on March 20, 2011 at 6:59 pm
      • I agree. Coop definitely deserves an award!

        AKDad on March 21, 2011 at 12:10 am
      • Hmm. If HGTV decides to try out Cami's motorhome "winner's ambush" idea for 2012, maybe they'd let me be the driver? I've driven a 34 footer thousands of miles in various countries, and I've only taken the bumper off of one car that got in my way. All I'd need is a good navigator to steer me around the corners, and the Dream Team would be able to pull off the surprise ambush without a hitch. Nobody'd ever be the wiser until the televised date … unless I hit a fire hydrant pulling up to the curb in front of the winner's home.

        DBCoop on March 21, 2011 at 12:55 am
        • Speaking of the hitch. The motorhome can tow the giveaway car behind. Without a big red bow of course.

          Cami on March 21, 2011 at 6:07 am
          • My thoughts exactly, Cami. They can just unhitch it and leave it behind, although I suspect that it goes back to a local dealer until the DH winner gets all of the legal docs in order. Anyway, the vehicle would be there to make the winner's video complete at least. That is, unless YOU'D like to volunteer to drive the winner's vehicle along behind the motorhome.

            DBCoop on March 21, 2011 at 12:42 pm
    • Here are the answers to the bloggers' pop quiz. Each question is worth four points if answered correctly, plus four points for the bonus question. A perfect score would be 104. How did you do?

      Score:
      1-20 You had other plans that evening!
      21-40 Dream Home Hopeful
      41-60 Dream Home Fan
      61-80 Dream Home Star
      81-100 Dream Home Wizard
      104 — All correct PLUS the Bonus Question: You are Red Hot and Off the Charts … an HGTV Dreamer Extraordinaire!

      DBCoop on March 21, 2011 at 1:13 pm
      • 9. What's the color of the GMC Acadia Denali in the DH garage? Answer: A. Black
        10. Which is Linda Woodrum's favorite room in the Dream Home? Answer: C. Kitchen
        11. What four woods dominate the interior? Answer: A. Pine, Cedar, Birch, Maple
        12. The Kitchen Island seats 6. How many does the Dining Room seat? Answer: A. Ten
        13. Which mountain provides a scenic view from the Master Bedroom? Answer: D. Mt. Mansfield
        14. How many feet in height of Tweed curtain is used between the Mbr/Bath? Answer: A. 17
        15. What season and colors are shown on the Living Room large-screen TV? Answer: B. Autumn – red, gold and rust
        16. John Gidding said that the Guest Room furnishings were inspired by? Answer: B. a 5-star boutique hotel

        DBCoop on March 21, 2011 at 1:18 pm
    • Great Job DBCoop!! I'm sure Mary's happy you saved her all of that work. If you get sent to the principal's office I'll attest to the fact that you're work is irreproachable!! By the way, I knew I could spot a DREAM HOME WIZARD when I saw one :) B)

      Lucyourdog on March 21, 2011 at 1:53 pm
  29. I thought that they showed some secrets about the house. Like what is behind the sliding door in the Master Bedroom. What about showing some of the closets, like the walk-in for the Master Bedroom. I think it would be cool to see. Also do they have a show when the winner sees the house for the first time?? Just wondering. :)

    kmskid66 on March 20, 2011 at 3:06 pm
    • Yes, Kmskid66, but it's not until after the M's visit their new home in April.

      Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 11:18 pm
      • Thank you Lessie!!! I'll be watching!! I'm so excited to see the secrets!!! :)

        kmskid66 on March 21, 2011 at 7:42 pm
  30. So many people commenting how disappointed they were in the winners' response, they are probably still in shock and also wondering how they can either keep the home or sell it quickly–so much to do in a little time.
    Over the years there have been numerous blogs about the possibility of the dream home instead of being one house that is so over-the-top and build instead three or four (say one house every three months or so) but still 'dream' homes to anyone who is lucky enough to win one. We all know that sponsors across the country, contractors, decorators, and everyone else involved in building a new house would be thrilled to be involved, so why not give it a try and build several houses in a year so there are more winners? In this despressed economy–the more workers a company such as hgtv can put to work and there would be more than one winner for more commercials and advertisements–everyone wins. Any thoughts?

    havelotskids on March 20, 2011 at 3:06 pm
    • I guess you aren't a HGTV/DIY regular. They are doing a dwelling about every 3 months- the Dream Home, Green Home, Urban Oasis and the DIY Blog Cabin. Just fine with me-

      Coop and I suggested if they want to add one it might be a Modular Home (the in thing in construction). The idea being they could put it together in a week. They still would have location and other facets to develop.

      The tour and give away for the Green Home starts April 1st. We are waiting for the Urban Oasis (a urban condo) location annoucement, and the Blog Cabin is in August.

      Nebraska on March 20, 2011 at 4:58 pm
    • A smaller affordable home does make a lot of sense but my guess is the sponsors want a WOW home to showcase their goods. Ever notice how many of the videos show more products than the home itself ?

      BTW – is that -44p in red for real ? lol, you must have tweaked someone here.

      BluSky on March 20, 2011 at 5:43 pm
    • HLK –I am sorry to see the negative rating to your post, which is similar to posts I have read here in past months… it is a reasonable suggestion, but a showcase home is what we will be seeing in these giveaways, because they are designed to be like an expo for the building trades. The sponsors are the ones paying !!
      Now if people from the homebuilding industry alligned with some nonprofits and found some charities to foot the bill, then that could happen–but you'd need charities and nonprofits in the mix.

      LLColeman on March 22, 2011 at 12:08 am
  31. While some are still in the laundry room Soney and I decided to take a trip to Paris with some of our friends. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrwVB4vMx-Q&fe

    alicesoneysmom on March 20, 2011 at 3:15 pm
    • We're all coming over to the restaurant since we're all off of the plane! Get that jukebox fired up, Alice and Soney xD

      areeve04 on March 20, 2011 at 4:54 pm
    • I spent my birthday in 2007 at Disneyland Paris. I only got a couple of days there but it was all good! Thank goodness I took the Chunnel from London.

      Nebraska on March 20, 2011 at 4:59 pm
    • I love Friends! Thanks for the clip.

      Wyo_Girl on March 20, 2011 at 5:40 pm
    • Too funny, Alice. Did you get off the plane?

      Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 11:28 pm
  32. let me tell you this i was talking to my little brother i sayb to him i lose the house then he say to me dont worry next year will be better

    bellaybumer on March 20, 2011 at 3:50 pm
    • What a great little brother you have, Bellaybumer! Keep dreaming and good luck!:)

      areeve04 on March 20, 2011 at 5:11 pm
    • There are three other homes coming up. They are the Green Home, Blog Cabin, and Urban Oasis.xD

      areeve04 on March 20, 2011 at 5:15 pm
  33. Soney and I are looking forward to the next 2012 Dream Home. Thank you HGTV. Thank you for the special announcing the winner. You did the best you could do under the circumstances. You are tops in our book! Onward and upward. Up up and away we can fly! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoSocikOpHU&fe

    alicesoneysmom on March 20, 2011 at 4:13 pm
    • Another great video Alice. So much better than today's music in my opinion.

      Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 11:34 pm
  34. HGTV should build a picturesque cottage community, with four or more homes under 700 square feet with one or two bedrooms each. This would give several people a chance to win something they can afford and keep. Sure the homes they built are nice, but they're in exclusive neighborhoods where not everyone is welcome, and in my opinion, not everyone can win, even though their name was chosen.

    eis0149 on March 20, 2011 at 5:21 pm
    • Very true. That's why the blog home is so appealing.

      BluSky on March 20, 2011 at 5:23 pm
    • What happens if a family of 4 or 5 win one of the one or two bedroom homes, Eis0149? Won't they have to sell because the home is too small? Will there be a hole out back for teens who know everything?

      Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 11:39 pm
    • Eis0149, please know that my goal is not to offend you or anyone else on the blog! In response to your reply, "Three bedroom homes can also be added to the neighborhood, Lessie.
      What's up with your last question? It seems like you are being very sarcastic!!! I have never treated you this way!! Explain yourself!!!"

      I was thinking about a 700 sq ft home with one or two bedrooms. It wouldn't have worked for my family of five, especially when my kids were teens! We had a four bedroom home and they still got on my nerves at times. If I could have dug a hole outback with a feeding and breathing tube in it and put them in it, I would have! Obviously your children are not like that. You're doing a great job!

      Lessie on March 27, 2011 at 7:43 pm
  35. What would have been nice is a pull out on that in between cabinetry (like a cutting board) so the clean laundry could be on the cabinet & a towel pulled forward on to the folding board. just a thought. I watched the show last night & wanted to know more about the winners since we already knew their names. Wonder what part of the home they would use as a nursery for that cute baby.

    joplays on March 20, 2011 at 5:36 pm
    • Or an ironing board

      kmskid66 on March 21, 2011 at 7:47 pm
  36. Speaking of chocolate it can't get any better than this! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lebdGPawuMk

    alicesoneysmom on March 20, 2011 at 7:05 pm
    • It's 11:42 pm and I have no chocolate Alice. I need a chocolate fix. Gotta have some chocolate stashed somewhere. Let's see if I can find it……

      Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 11:43 pm
  37. Bluesky, I like that the blog cabin is off by itself (no neighbor problems) but it is too big for me. A house can be small but have large rooms that would allow it to feature high-end appliances and decor. Add some solar features that would make it self-sufficient and put it in a beautifully landscaped setting, and it would be a dream home anyone could love. HGTV could probably build four or more of these for the same price of one of the mansions they’re buillding now, and the winners would be able to keep them.

    eis0149 on March 20, 2011 at 7:20 pm
  38. Congrats to the WINNER & family. Best wishes in your new home and location. You have been blessed. Enjoy

    Ladyleo2 on March 20, 2011 at 7:45 pm
  39. The HGTV dream home 2011 is a great house, does any one know the up keep a month for the home? Is there a Homeowner's Association?.

    Ladyleo2 on March 20, 2011 at 8:29 pm
  40. We had hot weather for almost 2 days weatherstation. Then back to reality but it's not bad. Only need a light jacket over my tee. As for the Super Moon and the Dream Home Special, there's always a next time. I would like to say the value of my home has steadily increased, but……….

    Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 8:59 pm
    • Hi Lessie, Its been nice chatting with you. Both you and Cami have been very nice, she's got some of the funniest jokes, I was laughing so hard this morning, it was just crazy good. Hope you had a nice weekend, and that your week goes well.

      weatherstation on March 20, 2011 at 11:32 pm
      • I enjoyed chatting with you too, Weatherstation. Hope your week is a great one. Don't forget to come on back for more of Cami's jokes. Get your daily dose of laughter right here on the HGTV blog.

        Lessie on March 21, 2011 at 12:03 am
  41. I haven't blogged in a while because the last time I did I was stating how disappointing is was to not win. My kids 7 and 9 helped me stuff and stamp over 400 entries. I got some very bad and almost hateful repsonses to my last blogs so I thought that I would be done, but here I am. Someone said that I should know the rules and I probably got disqualified for entering online more than once. Yikes! I entered for myself, my husband and both my parents so I hardly think I got disqualified and the rules say that if you enter more than once the other subsequent entries will be voided and only the first one will be counted. With that said, I was merely stating how disappointed I and my family were to not win because we are huge skiers and I want to move closer to New Brunwick where my brother and his kids live.

    darbydawn on March 20, 2011 at 9:56 pm
    • Nothing wrong with sharing your feelings, Darbydawn. Welcome back! Glad you didn't stay away.

      Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 11:46 pm
      • I agree with Lessie–nothing wrong with what you typed–it is YOUR feelings and you put alot of work into trying to win your DREAMS. As my Mother always says "Tell it like it is!" –You did, some will agree some with not, such is life! Be PROUD that you tried so hard to win..y'all had a goal.. It is HOW YOU feel and what I have seen on here alot of people were doing the same as you…"Don't worry be HAPPY!" Onto the next DREAM HOME!:)

        Cindy on March 21, 2011 at 5:33 am
  42. . I also lost my job this year in the school system and took a 25,000 dollar pay cut so winning would have been a god send for us. I am very happy for the winners but still wish it was us:) I do have to say they didn't even look excited or really even shocked- almost like they knew. I would have been screaming and crying and running around the yard……oh, well maybe next time I will be able to show HGTV what true crazy excitement looks like… I will keep trying.

    darbydawn on March 20, 2011 at 9:57 pm
    • I'm sorry you lost your job, darbydawn, and may the future brings you and your children better things. Keep your hopes high! Perhaps next time will be your turn to win. I wish you good fortune.

      beehivestate on March 20, 2011 at 10:08 pm
    • Gee Darbydawn, I truly understand why you wanted to win the Dream Home. Nothing wrong with that. Sure hope things are better for you in the future.

      Lessie on March 20, 2011 at 11:52 pm
    • :::HUGS::: darbydawn…"We ALL get by with a little help from our friends!"
      I agree with you the winners didn't look excited at all and when he opened the door his wife was right behind him with the baby.. He could have screamed and then have her running to the door to see what is the matter..So Eric's acting ability FAILED and lucky for him he is a Stay-At-Home Dad–but that was his winning moment who is to tell if we all might have acted the same way…
      BUT who knows what really happened..the winners usually have a clue they have won..at least that is what I got from the Green Home Winner in FLA..Kari G..told alot more of the process how everything went down…

      Cindy on March 21, 2011 at 5:41 am
    • Welcome back, darbydawn! I'm so sorry to hear about what is happening. I know this can be a scary time right now….Don't lose faith! I'm glad to hear you're still willing to dream and hope! Stay strong! :)

      areeve04 on March 21, 2011 at 8:49 am
  43. Please forgive any perseverations on a recent post, something happened to my computer, and in trying to close one post another was going at the same time.

    Janzee on March 21, 2011 at 1:25 am
    • How kewl is that -You bought the shawl-I remember that shawl-one lucky blogger winner won it . It was pretty. That was a GREAT STORY—Thanks for sharing–let's see what did I really want from this DREAM HOUSE-not the snow/or cold..not so much the Dream House itself..

      BUT I wanted the doggie doghouse..since I am on a budget too.. looks like I am going to have to build my own because that looks rather expensive to have HGTV make it!-Just wish they had the instructions on HOW to make one or any of the other doghouses they have made for their Dream Houses..
      But until then there is always Ben and Jerry's ice Cream from Vermont I truly want and can purchase—:)

      Cindy on March 21, 2011 at 5:50 am
      • What's ironic is last night I was watching DIY Network, thinking….I can do that!….Then I thought about you and your Doggie Dream Home, thinking I could do that too…..I thought….how cool it would be to have the funds to buy the materials and build one for you….I would start out with a simple box foundation on top of 3/4 plywood. Then build the studs. Next, build the outside walls, and assemble these like they did on the human DH before attaching to the home, complete with the shingles on the outside already in place. Before attaching the roof, I would build the walls inside and out complete with a large window cut-out. Re-measure the two rooms, and make padded beds with similar fabric to match your current decor. I would paint the inside rooms, and have two mini pictures of your darling on the back wall. I would attach the outside walls and then the roof…..In any case, Cindy….I've built a virtual Doggie Dream Home :D

        areeve04 on March 21, 2011 at 9:03 am
  44. ohhhh, areeve, after coming home today after a long day at work and to read what you wrote…WOW!! Thank you the virtual Doggie Dream Home is far more better than the real one.. truly this so much more appreciated!:)

    Cindy on March 21, 2011 at 6:08 pm
  45. Lessie, the person who wins the two bedroom cottage has the option of selling it. Cottages like that go fast in this market.
    They also have the option of not entering if they feel that the homes are not large enough for their family.

    eis0149 on March 22, 2011 at 12:53 am
  46. Lessie, in your last comment to me you asked if “there would be a hole in the back for teens that know everything”. That came across to me as harsh, and something you would never say to your other blogging friends. Why do you take this tone with me? I have never been this way with you.
    If you would like to see the cottages I am referring to, check out this link: http://www.rosschapin.com. If you click on the Press button, you will see all of the accolades they received not only from HGTV, but many high-ranking periodicals as well. Look at the photos and floor plans. These are dream homes anyone could love.

    eis0149 on March 22, 2011 at 10:04 am
  47. Okay,
    Let me start by saying that I was blogging with everyone else way before the John Smith episode.
    I stuck up for HGTV while so many new, and a few old bloggers were so very disapointed in the outcome of the pre-mature announcement of the winner. Whether due to John Smith or who or whatever, I have changed my way of thinking. I have watched the video above and something is not right. They kept giving each other ( Monica, and the Makstanieks ) the corner of the eye looks, and when Monica said the name of the children before they did, I knew this was all quickly rehearsed….I am very disapointed, not just for me but for everyone who has dreamed, and waited, and blogged, and anticipated the "SURPRISE" . I am not a stupid person and I know that a lot of devoted bloggers on here are not stupid either.
    I will not participate with HGTV ever again. Something is very wrong here, and it is not worth continuing a Dream that is being Set Up. It is Sad to me, but that is how I feel. I really don't know what else to say.

    debbielee27 on March 23, 2011 at 3:40 pm

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