Mar
21
Watch the Winner Videos
Hi all,
I hope you watched the HGTV Dream Home 2011 Giveaway show this weekend. Want a quick recap of the excitement? Please watch these video clips and read on to find out who won our HGTV Dream Home 2011 Housewarming Giveaway.
The winner of the HGTV Dream Home 2011 Housewarming Giveaway is Jon Perkins from Mission Viejo, California. Congratulations!
Winning Items
KitchenAid Mixer
Calphalon Nonstick 12 pc. Cookware Set
Belgian Waffle Maker
Paula Deen Pie Set
Doormat
Party Tub
Picnic Backpack
Keepsake Quilt
Binoculars
His/Hers Snowshoes
Congrats to Jon Perkins and of course congrats to Eric and Katie. They are such a cute family! I think Eric may learn to ski now! After watching the videos, I can definitely understand their stunned reaction. They don't seem to be the "jump up and down" types, and they seemed overwhelmed. Also, they said they saw the crew pull up outside, so they were just hoping that they were the winners. I wish people wouldn't judge their reactions so harshly, as I am sure different people react in different ways.
Now, Mary, where's our pop quiz?
Wyo_Girl……….Stunned reaction? Go back to the video and put youself in their place. This was rehearsed… I know it, I hope you know it, and if anyone doesn't know it,. then they are Obsessive Dreamers that don't care if HGTV is Deceptive or Not. Do you want to put your heart and soul into something that is deceptive, rehearsed and unfair? Think about it……..
I think that sometimes it may be necessary to let the winners know ahead of time. Say if they did the research and found out that they going out of the country or something. There may be extenuating circumstances that they be notified before hand and then they have to "act" suprised for the show. But like I said in my other post, I definately want to be suprised if I ever win. I love suprises and have had very few in my life.
ur right, i know that if they came to my door i wouldv just been like "oh um ok i guess" then the next day later i would be like "omg i just won the hgtv dream home!!!!!!!!!!" just cus it would take me a little to register that this is really happening lol but any way idk if this is true but i heard that he couldnt afford it and is now renting out the house and looking for a potential buyer? well idk im happy for him, there was obviosly a reason this didnt happen to me. who knos? maybe theres something better in store!
What a nice way to start my day! They definitely looked happy and excited. I'm glad for them and hope against hope they can keep that beautiful house. I can just see those darling little children playing on their bunks. And if they sell the house, voila, college funds! It's a GOOD thing.
huh?
Thanks for letting us out of the laundry room. Congrats again to all the winners this year.:)
Itspin fun, though….hehehexD
Good one!
Thank you for sharing these videos, Mary! I'm so happy for the Makstenieks! They seem like a FABULOUS family! Congratulations! Congratulations to Jon Perkins for winning the housewarming gifts too!
I think they were excited! Overwhelmed actually. Thanks for the videos, since I don't get HGTV. Congratulations again Eric and your lovely family. And congratulations to Jon Perkins for winning the housewarming gifts that I so much wanted lol.
O yea, and I did get my laundry done, but tell Eric and his wife that if they find a stray sock in the dryer, it's mine. Sorry. But you know socks just love to hide in the dryer. lol
Congratulations to HGTV. It was a great but fast show. It is so nice to listen to Eric and Katie talk
about the house and for how long they have been entering. See even young couples with young
children can win!!!! This house would be great for any age. They are so good looking and seem
so genuine. So many neighbors looking on. Couldn't a keep quiet be signed by all of them? My
colors were there, also a few other people as well. I realized that Monica was holding 15 balloons!
So Happy 15th Anniversary once again. Thank you for your programs!!!
CONGRATULATIONS MASTENEIK'S FAMILY!!!! Great looking family. They seem really reserved and extremely HAPPY!! I'm glad Mary posted this so I could see it a second time. This blog seems to fit the timing!! They seem very appreciative during the interview and let's face it, we have a nice house as well but it certainly doesn't mean we own it. No one knows their financial situation. This blessing probably allows them a little slack to enjoy things like a vacation or skiing. Our first year in our home was tough. A lot of added expenses a person doesn't think of (water, sewer, taxes, garbage removal, heating oil, and kids expenses etc…). The STARS lined up for the MASTENEIK'S family and we're happy for you!! Never too late to learn to ski; after all, it's doing things for the first time that sometimes makes the best memories. Wishing you all the happiness in the world and LOTS and LOTS of HAPPY MEMORIES!!
I would like to agree 100% with TomR29 despite the negative feedback his post is receiving. I'm not saying anything against the winners… I'm sure they are good people and deserving in their own way ,so this is nothing negative towards them. Like TomR29 I too would have like to have seen much more gratitude and excitement from the winners. I know of people who entered who have a true passion for not only snowboarding but for the mountain and town of Stowe as well, who would have reacted in buckling knees and tears.This isn't the first time i've watch HGTV home winners react with such lack of emotion that a dream home desreves. It would be nice to see HGTV somehow narrow down the contest to target the people who really see this oppurtunity as their dream come true.
Thanks Jack for your honest support. I'm blown away by how few people actually read the official rules and understand the mechanics of the contest. So many comments about the winners selling the house, but they have the option to accept a smaller cash prize in lieu of taking possession of the home at all, which is what's likely in this case.
Yes, I'm happy for the winners, but all of the hype, TV shows, blogs….it's all about the Dream Home. In the end, it's just a shame it will end up going on the market and not being enjoyed by the winner. I wonder how many entrants even know that the winner ends up with a 1099 for over $2,000,000! How many winners can deal with that tax burden…..
Just a heads up, comment, what needs to be understood here is that these folks did not "WIN", per say, they were chosen to win, that is they meet the critique of the Rules of eligibility ! Has anyone bothered to read the Sweepstakes Rules? The Potential "winner", must meet certain standards, set by the HGTV promotion Board, and affiliates, which include a background check, and a winner then is "CHOSEN", who they feel ,fits the bill, so to speak. Dont' be taken in by all the pro HGTV posts you read here, they have their own bloggers in place !!
it's called shock. if they'd been jumping up and down screaming people would have made comments about how ridiculous they were.
No matter the posts, we all know that they are very happy to have won this house which will give them financial security for years to come. How do you react to something like this? The reaction bloggers had hoped to see may have happened before the cameras were rolling. They were NOT ambushed as we had envisioned so, of course, what we did see was a prearranged filmed commercial for all purposes.
Maybe this year will be the year HGTV listens to the bloggers and builds a few houses for a few winners instead of this (why it is beautiful) monstrosity of a house. Given the economy of our country–this is not a dream house anymore!
i think if it was prearanged, the man would have had his shoes on dont you think?
Why do I get the feeling that your opinion would be different had you been the winner?
You couldn't be more accurate! I'd love to see smaller, greener and more sustainable dream homes for the future of the sweepstakes…
That show and blog is called the Green Home.
I am very happy for this family and wish them luck in what ever they choose. Everyone is disappointed about there reaction. But i know after the camera left they were most likely jumping up and down. I know that is how i am. After everything is over is when i react. Wish them all the happiness in the world.
Thanks Mary for the videos #2, #3, and #4 since we didn't get to see those on the television special.
Oh and I forgot…
Congratulations Jon on winning the housewarming gifts, hope they're the ones you voted for…
After making the time to read the first two comments, all I can say is…..NEXT!!!!
Was this really a surprise? I don' t mean about the post-visit leak here, but it seems strange to me that they are somewhat dressed up, and the entire Maksteniek family answers the door together.
Watch the videos. They said they saw Monica coming because they were watching out the window.
I'll admit, in past years, I left my front porch light 'on', just in case Monica showed up at my doorstep. But not even I would be watching out the window, looking for Monica, weeks before HGTV was suppose to surprise the winner.
Why were "they watching out the window?"
For crying out loud. Eric said they were watching TV. They probably have a TV in the front room and a window. They saw a car with a bow pull up in front of their house. What would you do, not answer the door?
Did you notice that Eric and Katie did not have shoes on, only socks?
Good grief people…get a grip!
YES!!!
I'm laughing!
OH, how many times I've wanted to say that somewhere in the blog… "For crying out loud!"
ooooh, that felt good…
"For crying out loud!" "For crying out loud!" "For crying out loud!" "For crying out loud!" "For crying out loud!" "For crying out loud!"
….can't stop…
"For crying out loud!" "For crying out loud!" "For crying out loud!" "For crying out loud!"
LOL
Thanks SweetLiz, I enjoy your upfront writing.
P.S. most of the rooms in my home are designed to enjoy the view as we go about our daily routine…
I guess I sorta lost it a little bit? Ooops!
Sorry about my previous outburst darbydawn. I read some other comments and I'm not sure I responded to the correct person (maybe I should have just kept my fingers quiet).
Well, I think the point of the comment is that one would need to want to live an active outdoor WINTER life style. Hopefully, everyone who entered the contest, gave that some thought before they bothered.
Also, and I think this pertains to all the DH's, if the winner kept it, would they have enough vacation time from work to make full use of it? For many people, the locations of the DH's would make for a long trek, and something few could do as a day trip.
I don't ski but I've been to Stowe a couple times in summer and there are countless fun things to do there.
So glad to know there's more to Stowe than skiing Beehivestate. Just shows that the the Front Door and HGTV videos of all the things to do in Stowe are on target.
Never thought about the lifestyle of the area when entering. Plan all along was to sell it and build my 'dream' house where I wanted; so toward that end there were thousands of people who entered who never considered the lifestyle.
You're absolutely right, Havelotskids. People enter for different reasons and each person's reason is just as legitimate as the next.
OldManWalt that's one way to look at it. You can also see it as a wonderful opportunity for the winner and his family to have a fresh start–get out of debt, experience some new things in life, and enjoy a better future.
Some want the home, others want the money. Whatever the winner decides is okay with me because he won and I didn't.
Congratulations to the Maksteniek family and to Jon Perkins for their winnings! Personally, I just think they were a bit overwhelmed, not under-excited. I honestly don't know how I would react if someone with balloons and a trailing TV camera showed up on my doorstep. I would likely faint first…
Again, congratulations to the winners. Enjoy! Can't wait for next year's Dream Home.
I didn't watch the show but after watching this video it's not hard to see how a neighbor or many neighbors saw this family be awarded the prize by Monica and CREW. ( Not to mention the giant red bow on the car.) LOL
So unless HGTV doesn't want future winners' names to be posted they'll have to do an ambush that's less visible or monitor the blog/Message Board and zap revealing posts. I'm excited for the winners!!!! I'm excited every year. It's such a life changing contest. They seem very nice. Hooray for another Dream Home finale. Can't wait to see next year's house!!! Thank you HGTV! Just to get the CHANCE to win is a huge gift. Look on the bright side.
i agree. do it at night too, like they did those other winners. less noticable.
I agree that HGTV needs to change the ambush. Why can't they do it live without announcing the winner ahead of time? They won't have to do it at night or in disguise if it's done like this. Plus the winner just might get the emotions viewers are looking for.
ok, so where was the quiz? I didnt see or hear a quiz at the end of the show. did i miss something?
Hi becky, Under the previous post called "Exploring the Laundry Room", DBCoop designed a quiz with 25 questions. Excellent job even for a secret agent….I bet he had help from TerriNova (But, that's another story in itself). Don't cheat and scroll down too far because the answers have already been posted. Good luck and it's fun to test your knowledge of this year's Dream Home!!
it dosnt matter who is fit or what the hobbies, weather we keep the house or sell it. its still a better life for whoever wins.
I think next year's Dream Home should be decided by way of an essay contest. That would eliminate quite a few from what I have read from some of these blogs. Just sayin….
You guys are just too sensitive. lol
I agree with you Shady, but I don't think it would matter. Everyone wants to give us the thumbs down. Why? Do you care ? I don't.
Once again this year ….NO EXCITEMENT from the winners..I really feel HGTV needs to quit the big fancy homes, cause NO ONE yet who has won could actually AFFORD these homes, it is such a shame too. Cause i bet there are a lot of people out there who would of loved to win who could actually keep the home. I find it rather CRUEL to give these people a home they can never keep.. SO PLEASE BUILD A HOME SOME NICE FAMILY CAN ACTUALLY LIVE IN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY OF THIS GIVE A WAY!!!
I am just so glad this ALL over with.. this sure has been a very bumpy ride for everyone!
Best wishes to Eric, Catherine, Nathan and Anna in your new home~
but what us bloggers went though was so UNREAL and not surreal at all!
NOW HGTV the other thing you promised us~dada :"THE POP QUIZ!':)
If the Makstenieks choose to keep the Stowe Dream Home, it would be a wonderful adventure for the whole family, both adults and the two children, along with other extended family of course. Just think of the fun — everyone learning to ski together! Anna and Nathan could even grow up to be Olympic ski contenders. And aside from the winter activities of skiing, sledding, and sleigh rides, there are plenty of summer activities for every age.
Should they find that it better suits their needs to sell it, the profits will enable the Makstenieks to fulfil other dreams they may have, and as beehivestate mentioned, it wouldn't hurt the children's college funds any either!
What a wonderful dilemma to be in — so many great choices and new opportunities have now been opened for them.
Agreed! As someone with a small child (and hoping for another), I can imagine how wonderful and life-changing the dream and green homes would be! Congrats to them!
DBCoop, I know you are very knowledgeable about all of the things on these websites. Have you seen any videos of the winners touring the home? I always love those, and can't seem to find any.
Eric, We have all spent time in your bathtub. We had a slumber party in the bunk room.
We all sat in the dog house. We have done our laundry in your dual washer and dryer laundry room (actually we were locked in their by Mary). I believe we have had a few blogger parties in the kitchen upstairs— and the downstairs— and the hot tub (roasting marshmallows). We have virtually partied in pretty much every single room in the Dream Home (even in rooms that don't exist)..=/o.0
We had the time of our life and I know you and your family will to. I can personally attest to the quality and durablility of this home. It holds up exceptionally well to blogger virtuality. ^_^
I am so very glad that this Dream Home will be a wonderful blessing to you and your family. Enjoy, and until you visit in April, you can virtually party in every single room too.:)
Cami, I love your creativity. People like you are what has made the blog fun for me!
Thanks Utah, or beehivestate.
I guess there's always a fun side to everything. I hope you stick around for the Green Home and the Dream Home clues to Dream Home 2012. 
Oh yes most definitely! 3 1/2 years ago when I lived in Tacoma, my neighbor was named "Green." I think it's a sign! I think I'll hang up green Christmas lights in April and leave them up!
Cami,
I love reading your posts. You are such a grounded, happy person!
I'm betting you would be a wonderfully fun person to have over for dinner and drinks. Thanks for being such a great neighbor on the blog.
Havelotskids, it amazes me that people "justify" why they deserve the Dream Home and others don't. Just don't feel like reading it any more.
Lessie are you ready…. 1, 2, 3 ARRRRRGGGHHHHHGHHGHGHHGGH—- GGRRRR.. Thanks I needed that too.
Take a deep breath in and out….. Letting it go. But wait I have one thing that's eating at me, and I'm just gonna come right out and say it.
What is up with people who are unhappy that the winners don't ski. ARRRGGGGHHHH!!!
Do you know how expensive it is to ski. Most people can't afford to, doesn't mean they don't want to. Then I think about people who say. Ohhhh they are rich they don't need the home…… Does any of this make sense to you???
Deep breath in and out…..Letting it go now.
Ahhhhh, I needed those deep breaths Cami! Thanks. I agree with all you wrote. Sometimes I feel like reading comments I do not agree with and sometimes I don't. I'm tired of reading negative comments about the M's. They won! Let them enjoy their win. Simple as that to me.
The winner's reaction SUCKED!!! They dont ski and they are not sure if they are keeping the house. So glad it's over!!!
I am so ecstatic for the winners! It was great to see these videos. It's okay if they didn't jump up and down. I did it for them. Makstenieks family, congratulations to you and best wishes!
I totally agree with it. Although, its kinda hard to explain but I try to not interfere with the progress or anything about it.
free bets
Eric did you have acting lessons?? I didn't think so, but you look like one heck of a GOOD DAD and you have great looking kids!! I've said it before and I'll say it again. Stay home dad is the toughest job, but the best one you'll ever have. Seems to me like your doing one heck of a job based on little Nathan's good behavior in front of strangers. The Masteneik's are you're typical good all American family that act responsibly especially when the Nation is watching. Maybe there is something wrong with us, but I can't help but smile along with them for their blessings!!
First thing,first get that screen door changed to open with your inside doors right hinge. That must drive you crazy.Hahahaha. It's not my house and it bugs me, oh well, you are the lucky one! Don't keep the house take the money and the car get some good investments going and you won't have to worry about college, 529 funds are great. Good Luck whatever your dreams may hold !!!
P.S. Cut down that pine tree, the roots from our pines got into our water line and the other blew into the house, shallow root system. It made a mess.
You know what makes me mad.. Monica always looks good in whatever she wears… whether it's a New Mexico turquoise shawl or a bright red coat. How many people do you know look good in a bright red coat… besides Santa. Honestly I think Monica would look good in anything. Why can't I look good in anything? It's not fair. I'll never be Monica. Oh well, maybe next year.
Please don't be, or even try to be SOMEONE ELSE…..We love you just the way you are!xD
Well, Cami–that is a subjective question/self critique : "why can't I look good in anything?" ( Millions of people have the same feeling about themselves, but it is not how others see them. ) Ms. Monica is one of those lucky folks who can be heaving furniture around or painting a room, yet look fantastic. As for myself, I never fail to get paint all over myself, and if I move furniture, I get red in the face and the hair goes in all directions ! It is no secret that HGTV features a lot of exceptionally striking hosts ("telegenic" ) for their shows, LOL ! I think I would get sunstroke if I were in the vicinity of John Gidding as he smiled……….
Paula deen's smile and hair have the same affect on me..B) I lover her, but woah.
Gosh, Cami, just think how I'D look in Monica's bright red coat!
Just had a visual on that! Since I have no idea what you look like DBCoop, my image was a large man with a beard (like my husband) in Monica's size 3 red rain coat. Needless to say the coat did not close in front and the arms only came to your elbows! I'm laughing again at the visual!
If you want to see people jumping around like fools you should be watching "The Price is Right". This lucky couple showed real class. I don't know them but I'd wager they worked hard all their lives; in high school to get into a good college; in college to get a marketable skill; and in their careers to advance to where one could stay home and care for the kids. They have saved hard to afford a modest house in the suburbs where the streets are safe and the schools are good. They waited to have their children until they were in their late 20's or early 30's. This couple is the model of delayed gratification that characterizes the core of the successful mid to upper middle class in America. And being mid-westerners, I'd bet their excitement of winning was tempered by the sobering responsibility of being prudent stewards of the good fortune that has fallen into their laps. As far as I am concerned this is a rare win for the good guys and I could not be happier with the result.
That was a brilliant post thanks JayDub.
Excellent comment. You voiced my opinion exactly!
Two thumbs up! Excellent comment!
Agreed!
You said it!
JayDub, dubbed knight of "brilliant observation". You are a brilliant student of human reactions, and my compliments to you for your observant and even keel, packed with graciousness and kindness comment. Living in the midwest for seven years, I notice that so many young folks, the ones who will change this economy for the better, because of their prudent choices are modeled by the winning couple.
Amen!
Does anyone know how to change the password for Intense Database and blogging? I must be missing something. I do wish there would have been more emotional grit as that's what makes for a good give-away episode. It's fun to temporarily immerse yourself into the excitement and into the emotional aspect of it like watching a good movie. Now that I saw someone mention about them seeing them pull up it makes more sense to me why they were all standing in the doorway. At my house, we definitely do not fight over answering the door! I don't think I could have contained myself, I'd probably be out in the front yard running circles like a dog before they ever got a chance to ring my doorbell and I'f d probably be screaming "Woo hooo" so loud you'd all have to turn down your TV volume temporarily! Of course, if my boyfriend were home he'd encourage me to wait at the door so as not to cause such an embarrassment!! (LOL!) I think they are really going to like VT!
if you're on the page reading the blog entries, go to the top of the entries (not quite to the top of the page) – click on ""edit profile – click on "account" – there should be a selectable field on the page that comes up saying, "change password". That might work.
Thank you I'll try it. I keep having to paste in the one they sent me and it's a pain. Thanks again!—
NOW VTHATS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. I AM FELLING YOU SISTER I WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME . THEY WOULD HAD TO GET THE CAMERAS OFF ME THEY WOULD HAVE THOUGHT I HAD LOST MY MIND. OK!!!!!
I agree that the episode lacked a certain something that draws you in emotionally.
I missed voting on the housewarming gifts – do you know if they got the snow shoes? I was thinking that would be so cool!
This really sucks everytime a winner is selected it is always people with houses already, that has a dream home a vehicle and a good paying job, what about those of us that never owned or ever lived in a real home but in an apartment with a low paying job and it seems that if you have a home you are most likly to get picked then people with out homes. Maybe they should have a dream home contest who never owned or lived in a home which can be easily verified. If I owned or live in a house I would not enter just to give people that never lived in a house or owned a home a chance to win a home of their own because I am not greedy.
I think I finally figured out why I like blogging here so much. It makes me feel like a kid again. There was a time when I stopped being creative–when I stopped being silly–when I stopped playing house–when I stopped pretending. I thought my mind would never tickle with creativity again. Every time I read someone's deep thoughts or witty comments, there is a sudden realization "cool they're right" and a "Wow, they are brilliant" or a "that was really witty" or "they are really creative" or "who are they, that was genius". I don't know about you but there really is a certain spot on my right frontal lobe that tickles when you or I or someone from the Dream or Green Team or anyone that makes me go "wow". I just love hanging out here. The written word is a beautiful thing, and so are all of you… even when I don't understand.:)
There, you see, the spirited, fun, witty, and amusing Cami is still in there, alive and well — despite every attempt by others to force you to "act like an adult" and stifle your creative and spontaneous self!
Echoing those immortal words, I say to you, "Cami of Washington, tear down those walls!"
The written word is indeed a beautiful thing, where the human mind can be a remarkably versatile and surprising source of wisdom, humor, and compassion. Thanks for sharing yours with us, Cami, even when we don't understand!
And thanks to MARY, Jack T, Linda W, and literally hundreds of great folks who keep us entertained in the blogs and behind the scenes, provide us with value in our lives, enhance our homes, and make someone's dreams come true every year with the Dream Home, Green Home, the Urban Oasis, and the DIY Blog Cabin.
Sometimes we fuss and fight, w(h)ine and wail, but at the end of the day, it's always an adventure — like a marriage — for better, for worse, in all kinds of weather!
"Cami of Washington, tear down those walls!"
Coop don't you think my husband will be bit surprised when he wakes up in the morning to see all the support walls gone.. I'll have my own great big gathering room though. Even if I have to stand there and hold up the second floor. Hey maybe I can go out in the forest and chop down some trees and bring them in for support, and give my home that adirondack feel I've always wanted. Yes rustic charm is just what I've been wanting.. Do you think I should apply for the HGTV'd truck to come before or after I take a sledge hammer to the walls that keep getting in my way.
Go out into that forest and chop away, Cami. A few things to keep in mind however: stay away from old growth trees, cut in a sustainable forest, and leave as little damage to the surrounding vegetation as possible. Yes, go for the Adirondack feel, and breathe easy knowing it was done in an earth-friendly way. Oh, and take lots of photos. Better yet, have HGTV video the whole operation, including the home transformation. That would make a great new series — "Cami's Country Cabin Renovation!"
You are that beautiful thing Miss Cams, and I adore everything you've said about the blog, and your thoughts as you are tickled.
<3
Another thing I like about blogging, Cami, aside from all the creativity of the written word, the beauty of the visual arts of design and architecture, and just plain old learning new things, are the virtual food fights. Especially when we get the team at HGTV involved (whether they want to or not!) It's no fun otherwise … food fights at home, that is. If I throw food at Terri, she just eats it. Show Me just glares, says I'm being juvenile, then feeds it to Terri the terrier. What fun is that? They just don't understand. Although I'll admit Terri does like me to throw her squeaky toys so she can run and fetch them. Her favorite is a lime green Pac-Man looking thing. When she carries it around, it looks like she has a green moustache, with the arms sticking out on each side of her mouth. It wouldn't look nearly as funny if I were to do it…. ^_^
Hun71-
I think I know why HGTV gives the houses away to those who already have one-it’s because it says in the rules that HGTV doesn’t want to do anything that would put them in a bad light in their choice of a winner. The new neighbors would not accept a low-income person because they might be overrun by unruly friends or relatives who feel that the winner is obligated to let them move in, or that their property will be vandalized or broken into. If the money was accepted in lieu of the house, the winner could be hounded for it or have it stolen. Either way, it would make HGTV look bad, and might even make them subject to a lawsuit if there are breach of the peace issues or property damage or theft. Those rich people have good lawyers, and would not hesitate to make use of them.
Hello Maksteniek family, and welcome to the HGTV blog. You'll have to tell us when you get to Stowe, all about the welcome you get from everyone in the community, and what your first HGTV home experiences are in your new home. Do you cook up something wonderful in the kitchen? Do you guys go sledding or snow showing on the hills? What does Mt. Mansfield look like so up close?
At this wonderful time of your lives, this is such a fantastic experience to have under your belts and will certainly open up treasured new worlds for you. Good luck, much happiness, and enjoy every day in every way. Love Janzee
I can honestly say that I have no idea, nor would I presume to know, how I would actually react to winning such a wonderfully, resplendent prize.
I only hope–should I one day be lucky enough–that I present myself with the same grace and composure that the Makstenieks did…
Congratulations!
(hmmm, is the plural Maksteniekses?)
Hi ZipdeCoop!! It's all in the way some people write. Of course my previous employment helps me ascertain such things. Coincidence perchance? I've got a case for you. I believe this assignment is perfect for you and a secret agent (007 perhaps) if he so chooses to take it on. The Dream Home Main page used to advertise winning a second GMC Acadia Denali. Whatever happened to this sweepstakes?? This is a mystery that only a fact finder and secret agent can solve. Are you up to it??
Hi,
I'm not quite sure what to infer from your post…lol. I'm sure Coop's writing comes naturally, mine most definitely requires a handy-dandy thesaurus.
You most definitely peaked my curiosity about your past employment. Please expand upon that topic, its got to be interesting
I haven't been on the blog very much for the 2011 giveaway, plus I really can't rely upon my sleep deprived memory. Sadly, I'm not familiar with the sweeps you are referring to. I've looked into your mystery and am sad to report that I do not have a definitive answer.
The 2nd Denali –
I'm guessing that it was a link from an advertiser (similar to what you see for GMC now). The only sweeps I have been able to find are a GMC from Lowe's (ended) or the current active giveaway from OnStar. Neither of which is specifically an Acadia sweeps.
Should my sleuthing unearth other possibilities, I will present it to you hastily.
(Something is vaguely familiar with a car giveaway, but the one I'm remembering was running concurrently last year with one of the 2010 home sweeps, but not sponsored by HGTV).
Hopefully Coop will take the challenge and have better success.
So I know that the position was not given to me, but I also remember there being a link to enter to win a Acadia Denali on the main home page, I remember because I entered lol. It took you to the GMC home page to enter, but I have not heard any thing else about it sorry. But it would be nice to win it, I really need a new vehicle…:D
You just may be the agent for the job!
It may take a little sifting, but if you have not deleted your history, you can scan back thru the logs and find the link to the web page. At the very least you would have the http address for us to investigate further.
OK bloggers, check your "history" logs!!!
I'm glad to know I wasn't hallucinating about this beautiful 2nd car, lol. Well, I was hoping the 2nd Acadia Denali would've been affiliated with HGTV and it would've gone to a blogger (wishful thinking). I guess the possibility of a blogger winning an HGTV package appears to be just a mirage. On that note, I think i'll get an ice cold glass of water and join the rest of the bloggers dreaming about Hawaii. Thank you for input keturyah12!!
You would have no planned or splendid, or alternate responses, there may be some shakin goin on of those wall sconces, and maybe some dances.
Grace and composure? what? Get real!
• ( graces) an attractively polite manner of behaving :
ORIGIN Middle English : via Old French from Latin gratia, from gratus ‘pleasing, thankful’ ; related to grateful .
composure: noun
the state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself
Obviously, we have different values and we speak different languages, mine is English.
I am happy that we have different opinions and that you are so "passionate" about yours.
Arg, you are right! Thanks for being my sponsor
I have to agree, it seemed like it was just another day in the park. I am not going to lie I really wanted to win that house and if I did I would have been floored with excitement! Also praises to God for a dream come true!
How To Get It Right —
Here are a dozen creative thoughts on getting the right kind of people into each Dream Home: if only HGTV would instigate the following policies. Imagine, there'd be no more whining…. Oh, who am I kidding!
A. To start with, potential winners must have the right kind of pet.
1. That is, for a coastal location, they must have at least ONE dolphin as a pet.
2. For mountain locations, they will need to have at least TWO mountain goats as pets.
3. Dream Homes near a lake, river, pond or other miscellaneous bodies of water would require a winner to have any mix of the followoing THREE: otter, seal, or manatee to be eligible.
4. For any Dream Homes on the prairie or plains, a minimum of FOUR bison.
Wow, I have one, two, and three. No bison, maybe an alpacca look alike in a mini version.
B. The Dream Home winner may NOT choose to sell the home under any circumstances. If necessary, HGTV may offer to assist the winner with bankruptcy proceedings.
C. The winner's family, to qualify, must EXACTLY meet the occupancy requirements of the Dream Home according to the beds available. In other words, if the home has three bedrooms, to sleep eight (including the Gathering Room sofa bed) they MUST have eight immediate family members, no more and no less. In-laws do not count.
D. Eligibility should require that the winner has NO PRIOR RECORD … of ever living in a house, that is, or any semblance of a residence, much less owning one.
E. Income requirements will be restricted to those that fall below the Federal poverty level, with no other assets AT ALL, and as long as the other eligibility rules are also met. No ifs, and, or pleas of ignorance of the rules would be accepted by the HGTV legal team.
F. Naturally, single folks need not apply, unless the Dream Home will sleep only one person. Who knows, it could happen! Empty-nester, retired, career-minded, or any other party of two would be ineligible. Adopting children AFTER being notified of a potential Dream Home win to meet the homes occupancy requirements is not allowed.
Urban Oasis ! Single Occ. would have been ok—–plus a kitty who could sit in the window ledges (without fear of heights) and would not sharpen claws on the Stone Lions—might be acceptable.
Addendum to F.
G. After watching the HGTV Dream Home Winner's Special, all HGTV fans should be able to vote whether the winning family showed appropriate enthusiasm and on-camera charisma. The decisions of the voters will determine whether the potential winners get to keep the home, or must forfeit it to another designated, pre-qualified and adequately enthusiastic runner-up.
This is my favorite!
H. If the winner's name or city location is revealed BEFORE the televised Winner's Special, regardless of how the word got out, that person forfeits the home, and another name drawn until the TV special is aired without any hint of who the winner is or where they live. This, of course, could potentially lead to a very long period of time before the final winner is known and takes possession of the Dream Home.
I. Finally, to enhance the image of Scripps Networks in the eyes of some folks, there should be no attempt whatsoever by HGTV to make the Dream Home a profitable venture from advertising revenues or any other sources, even though every other TV network is in business to make a profit. After all, capitalism is the root of all evil. Furthermore, no taxes should be paid by the winner. I mean, really, do people actually think the IRS should get its share when a prize with any monetary value is won, regardless of whether you like the idea or not.
I especially enjoyed this one. How dare they promote OUR dream for money.. LOL
J. Since these thoughts on possible Dream Home eligibility requirements, among the other suggested changes, would dramatically reduce the number of qualified entries, the entry pool would shrink considerably. Subsequently, however, consumer interest, followed by advertised sponsors and program revenue would quickly fade, along with the whole home sweeps giveaway idea. By that point, will anybody care? They'll all have turned off their TV's and abandoned the blogs to focus on the daily excitement of contemplating their lottery tickets.
This point just went over the heads of probably 1/4 to 1/3 of the @77 million who entered……….
K. On second thought, perhaps HGTV should leave well enough alone, let EVERYONE come along for the ride, and enjoy the dream just as it was meant to be — and look forward to the chance of being the randomly chosen winner of another fabulous Home Giveaway Sweepstakes — regardless!
I'm all in it to win it…
A. animal lover
B. willing to stay
C. large enough family, willing to expand or contract to meet qualifications
D. clean as a whistle, I don't even jaywalk (much)
E. I'm downright poor, well maybe not that bad off, but I could use a DreamHome pick me up
F. faithfully attached, unless it's a single cottage masterpiece, actually I'd have to pass, I love my wife
G. Enthusiastic as you want me to be. I'd be glad to give the thumbs up sign
H. Bribe neighbors, but fail to compromise rule D
I. I'm willing
J. I'm still caring….maybe add must be a blogger to win
K. I would like to disqualify the negative Ned's and those that cry because they feel they deserve the prizes more that others, etc.
.I, presumably like Eric, have worked very hard for everything I have and own (well maybe the bank owns more of my stuff than I do), but I would not begrudge anyone that works hard for winning this extra ordinary prize package. It would be a heartwarming story for an underpriviledged person or family to win, but in all likelihood, they could not sustain this prize package. It would end up being sold and crushing their dreams. Too many people have their hands out wanting something for nothing. It's true that I would have loved to win, but I am also very gracious to the eventual winners
Coop, you have forgotten the rules for the All important 'Housewarming Prize' Eligibility. I have been waiting for someone to start griping that only a professional chef should have won the Kitchen Aid mixer……..
L. And now, back to the bloggers' party currently in session. Sweet Dreams of Dream Home 2012, wherever you may be. Laissez les bon temps roulez!
Let the good times roll!! http://www.last.fm/music/Bob+Seger/_/Old+Time+Roc…
ok Sounds like Louisiana to me! Home Sweet Home! I am a Texas transplant. Originally from Louisiana
Coop, that last sentence was Foreigner, communist talk !
Well, this list should help to clarify who is eligible to enter for the Dream Home Giveaway! Merci, beau Coop!
LOL !
Coop I was hoping you'd write the entry requirements for a Hawaii giveaway home, so I can prepare to be among the few who are eligible.B)
I'd be happy to write the entry/eligibility requirements for a Hawaiian giveaway home, Cami, but only if asked by the HGTV team of legal beagles. After all, diving into tropical waters is one thing, jumping into HOT WATER is another thing entirely! However, I COULD suggest that eligibility be limited to the first ten dreamers who have previously petitioned for a Hawaiian Dream Home here in the blog. A one in ten chance wouldn't be too bad, would it?
Now, including myself (of course!) that would leave nine potential entrants. Any idea who the other nine could be?
Don't all my "ALOHAS" help to qualify me?
I'm still rooting for this little corner of the Big Island:
http://www.luxurybigisland.com/waikii_ranch.php
Maybe we can convince Jack to build a DH on each island for 2012. Since there are eight major islands, that would be eight Dream Homes! Unfortunately, I think Cami and I are both competing for the Big Island! Cami, maybe we can share the home!
I think there's going to be a Hawaii giveaway year too. I think Jack has been Island hopping.
How does this sound.
A Dream Home on Kauai
An Urban Oasis in Honolulu or close by at the Aulani Disney Resort.
A Green Home on the big island. (not to be outdone by the Dream Home) Close to Parker ranch.
Well I might just have a chance then. ALOHA!! Just to narrow the competition though… how about eligiblitly including–knowing how to play slack key guitar–the hula (for women) — fire-breathing (for men). A Poi eating contest, surfing, coconut tree climbing and husking… Hmmmm I'm just eliminating myself with this list, I guess I don't know where I was going with that idea.
ALOHA! Has to be one finger poi – or I won't touch it ( hate the runny poi). How about lomi-lomi salmon? Char-siu-bao from Patti's? Or lau lau? How about some oyaku donburi? How come everybody likes the sunny side of the big island – I love HILO!
I love Hilo, especially if there are more waterfalls and rainbows.:)
Beautiful waterfalls – daily rainbows – often double rainbows (have you seen those?). I love the area around Kaiulani Street. Lovely homes there! So many to dream about.
Ya know Katie I'm the same way with yogurt. If it isn't thick and creamy yoplait I can't stand it.
Guess we'd better learn to love Spam too! Shave ice is good though. Hilo is my husband's favorite — I prefer the north end and Waimea (paniolo country).
Spam AND Vienna Sausage.
Who could the other nine be. Hmmmm me, me, me, me, and then me,, There may have been a few others……… I guess.:p
My favorite Hawaiian spot – hate to mention it (because it can only makes more people go there). Mokuleia – I used to go to the beach by Dillingham Airfield – right where the gliders would come in for their landings. Always a cool breeze blowing (the wonderful trade-winds which are so constant in Hawaii) in off the Pacific. And (on most week days) no one on the beach for miles.
Okay, we have three claims of eligibility so far: Katieismypal, CplusE, and Cami. That leaves six more slots for the one in ten wish list. Don't be shy.
My husband, who has to put up with ME!o.0<3
This is a day late because I went to a symphony concert my son was playing in, but every time someone wanted a vote for HA I always voted for HA. I believe Katiesmypal was the first one I voted for HA. So I hope I qualify because I sure could use a climate change.
Hello DBCOOP, Late getting to this party; But, Count me in for HAWAII!! I'll guess HONOLULU???? Just a guess! B) :p
I would agree with JAYDUB – no need to "pretend" how thrilled you are. Be yourself. The winner has an idea they won prior to the TV crew showing up. While I am not sure how HGTV prequalifies their winners, someone I know won $25,000 from readers digest and they knew weeks ahead of the actual anouncement because they had to sign all the qualifying papers. What they were told was "you either won the millions or $25,000.00" so they had a couple weeks for it to sink in. Imagine if HGTV did not pre-qualify the winner before putting them on TV….then they would have to retract that show and give the house away AGAIN!
Interesteing you mentioned "pre-qualify", because according to the Sweepstakes Rules, the Potential winning canidate must be qualified, according to the standards set by HGTV and their affiliates ! There really isn't a winner per-say, such as in a State Lottery setting, it is a CHOSEN winner, that is, HGTV hand picks the person to be the "winner', to fit the look they must project. In other words, you won't ever have a person who was a Felon, or homeless, nor any having a negative personage in some way ! They do a background check on any / all canidates before choosing the one they see as HGTV material, and non-offensive to viewers, as to perserve their ratings!
Thank You DBCoop!! There is a call in the wind for you under zipdedoda's post above. Should you take this conundrum, it would solidify your mysterious legacy. "Bonne Chance, mon ami".
Ok Coop-I think the GH 2011 winner will be: a homeowner, a college student, the holder of or retired from a prestigious job, or a combination of two or more of these characteristics.
Now let’s sit back and see what happens.
Is anyone else willing to join me?
Congrats Makstenieks! You have a such a great looking family. God bless you all! You will love the Vermont slopes I'm sure of it! Hey I use to live in Vermont and ski or snowboard all the time…Vermont is one of the best places on earth if you ask me. The people there are just as nice as you and your family seem to be so you will fit right in!
Just quickly from memory, there was a GMC sponsored giveaway advertised with the 2010 Dream Home. It was a One Entry deal, ended on 5/31/10, and was for a 2010 GMC Terrain.
Were you thinking of 2010 or 2011?
I LOVE everything about the 2010 Dream Home; however, I'm quite SURE it was for a 2011 Acadia Denali. Although, I don't think anyone would fuss about a GMC Terrain either. Maybe my recollection has been tarnished by the heat of all this talk about Hawaii. A little exercise this morning should rejuvenate my recollection.
I think the reason for the lackluster reaction is all because of the way Monica conducted herself. She was a little too focused on just Eric & not his wife as well. I think it was a little 'much' that she didn't allow them to 'celebrate' together, instead it was like she herself was celebrating with only him. I like Monica but I think she handled the whole thing wrong. It must have been a tough interview in some ways & I'm sure if she would have backed off a bit, we may have seen the reaction we were all looking for. (I think maybe Monica was a little happy that Eric was actually taller than her! LOL
)
lol….I have watched this video so many times. It is unreal……If it were me or anyone else the reaction would have been jumping and screaming and just crazy. Unless of course, if they told me ahead of time and said. " you need to act surprised ", what happened in this video would have been the way most people would react, like duh, we need to lie to keep this prize. HELLO?
Focus people, it is a "TV SHOW', with a script and a plot, "making money". These folks were picked to "win", a long time before the sweepstake ended!!! I am a 'Producer' of a TV program, I know some things !
Please bruceweb enlighten us with your knowledge. Of course they were picked long before the sweepstakes ended because they only announced it a week after they won and held the Winner's Reveal weeks later. So, what tv program do your produce bruceweb??
Wow!
Here I was bumming out about not getting the deed to the dream home and then I came to this blog and saw the comments about how winners are "supposed" to act. Maybe it's a good thing I didn't win because I sure wouldn't want to be ridiculed about my perceived lack of gratitude, emotion, intent or whatever. I'm sure a stunned silence wouldn't play well on TV but who knows how anyone would react. It's not like people are giving away multimillion dollar gifts in my neighborhood…. ever.
So congratulations to the Makstenieks and thanks to HGTV for letting me dream!
Sunsplash,
Not everyone on the blog posts often, so those with a lot of negativity who post often can appear to represent us, but that is untrue. You can usually get a better understanding of the bloggers by looking at the "thumbs". We are only able to vote once per individual message. So When you see thumbs down on a negative post, it tells you that the majority of the bloggers disagreed (or even thought the post was sniping). Thumbs up is our way of expressing our approval. Example: Wyo_Girl gave a nice post and has +26 thumbs up.
We really are a nice group…
(use your thumb!
)
Hey everyone I just heard that Elizabeth Taylor passed away this morning.
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.
Gee for being mad at all the bloggers you sure are posting this everywhere.
Yes I did post everywhere. Many bloggers have done this. And I am not mad at anyone.
What gave you that idea?
i totally agree. a dream shouldnt be rehersed and i surprise shouldnt be given away!
Congratulations to the Makstenieks family and good luck with your new home.
I cannot believe how many jealous and bitter people are on this blog. It really is a shame. The contest is open to all with no discrimination yet there are people that want to discriminate and have pre-requesites to applicants.
The Makstenieks family appears to be a decent hard working family but yet too many people in this country and on this blog just think they deserve to be handed something and anyone else that gets anything is rich and doesn’t deserve it. Grow up and do something for yourselves.