Nov
14
Vote For Your Favorite!
Hi all and happy Monday!
Today, I invite you to participate in a very special poll. Our visual designers created five possible banners, one of which we will post along with the virtual home tour on December 1. We’d like you to help us choose the best design.
Please review the banners and pop back here to cast your vote. Voting closes on November 23 at noon ET. The winning banner will be posted on December 1, 2011, at around 9 a.m. Keep checking Dream Home central for the updated look.
Willie Holdman, a well known landscape photographer from Utah, is one of the photographers I hope
will be featured in the Dream Home. It turns out he is also talented in Christmas light decorating
and considered by his admirers to be a genius. He's in demand from California to Florida. Since
December 1 will be my HGTV "Christmas" with the HGTV Dream Home reveal I decided to show you
his home decorated for Christmas!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F44d2IzCrKo
I'm familiar with his beautiful photography, he has a line of greeting cards in the local store.
Bee, I think I like his photography in the same way you like Robert Duncan's art! I'm definitely
interested in the scenic valleys and snow-capped mountains but I'm also fascinated with the hoodoos, hot pots, and the places where a flower grows out of a hole in a rock!
Love the video.
I loved it, too, granintx. I found it last week and thought I would wait until after Thanks-
giving to post it. As you can see, I couldn't wait to share it with all of you!
Of course! Like I'm enthralled by the architecture of the old houses and barns, fences, windows and doors. Today I actually found a stone that marked the SE corner of the original fort Midway… It's in Heber City and it says the fort was "used" 1859 to 1867.
Beehive, is this the fort that was built midway between the two settlements in the area?
I think so but there's no sign of anything that looks like a fort any more. Well, a barn or shed on the property but that might "go" with the house. Also, did you know that Midway was originally called "Mound City?" I guess because of the hot pot "mounds"
Deerspring, thank you for sharing that–what a spectacular light show ! So intricate in its music synchronization….I love the Bethlehem star shining throughout, and the sheer magic of it all.
Beautiful words, LL. It's one of those special times when high tech meets beauty!
New Castle Entertainment announces their newest projects for HGTV with a proud "HGTV Here
We Come". They have begun production on two shows for 2012. "iRock Your House" will feature
deserving homeowners in the "makeover of a lifetime" in the company of their favorite rock band.
The second show, "Home Disaster" will take "nearly condemned houses" and "turn them into
a dream home for single mothers". So prepare to start rocking with HGTV and feel a warm place
in your heart watching the transformation of homes into a deserving person's dream!
http://www.newcastlestudios.com/news.html
The UO blog and GH blog are presently under construction, "Blog on Hiatus"! I wanted to post this
at the GH blog but it can be relevant here because the DH neighborhood will probably experience
the HGTV effect. Larry Hotz of the All Denver Real Estate site wrote an article, "HGTV Green Home
Boosts Stapleton Sales". The Infinity Company in anticipation of the 2011 Green Home's appeal
built similar homes in Stapleton that are "selling like hotcakes". "The sleek, ultra moderns
appealed to the eye and altruistic feeling of ecological living."
With Mary busy working on the new and improved blog format, I hope she hasn't forgotten about those critically essential Urban Oasis 2012 location clues. What if they get lost in the shuffle? Where will that leave us? Up a creek without a paddle? Shoeless and clueless?
Now I'm REALLY worried! Can you imagine, not even a pair of clues, much less a pair of, well, footwear?
Hurry, Mary, hurry. We've gotten used to our four-lane blog highway, and now we're down to just two lanes, albeit two very scenic ones, the Midway Dream Home and Waldoboro Blog Cabin. So far, no serious congestion; however traffic IS starting to back up a little. Please keep us posted with construction alerts.
At Shutterfly.com (I think), you can make personalized books for you and your family and friends! It's really neat. I haven't done it myself, but I saw a book someone made and it looks like she bought it from the store. Very professionally made!!
That would be a GREAT Christmas gift to someone!
We've done that at Shutterfly and at Snapfish. It's not expensive and it is very fun. Thanks for the reminder.
I love the deep blue color of the backsplash in the kitchen … Please continue that.
I do too. Blue and white/cream is so classy. I like the white cabinetry, too, except that it is a little bit "modern" for my taste.
Blue and Pink are my two favorite colors!! I doubt there will be any pink in our house. It's ok. I can plant pink roses outside by the front entrance!
I don't know if roses do well here, I rarely see them. Maybe lilacs?
Lilacs are my FAVORITE!!! There are different colors too: Dark purple, light purple, pink, and white, is all I've seen. They smell SOOO pretty!!!
I used to use them in May baskets when I was younger and when my kids were young, we put them in theirs too!
Midway is practically famous for our lilacs, all colors. In spring I'll send you pictures of them.
Thank you, my dear!!!
Sounds GREAT!! Thank you in advance.
Guess what? I found my quilt!!!
That is a good sign. Now you can display it for the holidays and during the contest period. Sleep under it for your "lucky charm"
I have it on my bed and sleep with it at night! When I wake up, I see the quilt and think of our house!
I have gathered some information about a B&B! Just so you know.
Good for you. Here's your chance to use those management-degree skills.
You know a lot of people there don't you? Maybe you can find me someone about 45 ish to date. No, never mind, I will be spending time with you, I don't need anyone else!! ^_^
You wish! I only know "older" people, people from the gym, and quilters. Anyway, I think you'd have better "luck" looking in Park City, there must be singles groups and all kinds of activities.
The ole' saying is that love comes to you when you least expect it. So that's what I should do…..not expect it!
Clean lined and modern are ok, but those cabinets are just too cold–(-but probably cost a hot fortune.)
I wanted the pulls to be more “farmhouse” type. They look like something out of a dentist office (shhh… I didn't say that!)
I wonder what Linda will do to "soften" the space? It's pretty hard-edged right now.
I agree, LLColeman, the cabinets aren't actually modern, just kinda bland contemporary. They have no character. Welcome to the dentist's office, as beehivestate so perfectly captured it.
Love the 3 new videos; finally we get to see more!!!!! It might be cold there, but the views are breathtaking. I agree with the polls, this part of Utah is in the top prettiest places in the U.S.
Thank you , Terri1. I totally agree, Utah IS a beautiful state.
Have I seen these three new videos? Don't want to miss anything!
Yes, it's the behind the drywall, the pretty and stylish kitchen, and the master suite.
The MASTER SUITE?? Or just the master bath?
I promise you one thing….. no one will spend a lot of time in the shower!!
Low water bill for that bathroom! 
Just the master bathroom, sorry to get you going!
I can't find the right reply, but you said it was 27 degrees where you are. I'm from NY but I live in MD., that sounds like NY weather. Here it is staying around 50 degrees. It hasn't gotten really cold here yet, and just think it's only about 4 1/2 hours from where I was from in NY.
it sounds like you would be accustom to the weather there.
The ski lodge rental property sounds like a good idea.
Okay, if Brenda wins it she's going to have a vacation retreat house for us and become world renown for her pastries.
I like the way you think!!!
Beehivestate…..your DH is gone this week right? I was just wondering when you could give us a DAILY BUZZ.. I THINK I can wait until next week. But then you will be busy with guests for Thanksgiving, huh?
BTW…..Happy Thanksgiving EVERYONE!! That is for in case I forget later!
Brenda, I have Larson by myself this week but not tomorrow so I will buzz. Will try to think of something new to report, not easy. HGTV has give us too much good stuff this week.
I completely understand! I just CAN NOT get enough of our house and all of the surroundings! Of course, there are the wonderful neighbors too!!!!
Do you like the blue tiles in the kitchen? I think they're pretty.
Yes, I do like the blue tiles in the kitchen!! What would you put on the shelves under the stovetop?
I haven't decided yet. Superfan Gail will probably have ideas for us.
Can't get enough of our house!! Anything new is appreciated!! Thank you Beehivestate!!
You can call me psycho when it gets closer to the giveaway time, I am deeply in love with our house!!! I won't be able to handle myself, I will be SOOO excited!!! You think I am excited now, just wait!
Speaking of Superfan Gail, she's back!! Check it out!!
She's so faithful to this blog!!! I just think she's the BEST!
While I'm dreaming this afternoon… who says you can't have it all? I'm told that the Club Cottages at Kukui'ula, on the Garden Isle of Kauai, have been carefully designed and created precisely in the spirit of having it all, including LEED certification.
"Kukui'ula's Club Cottages are designed in the authentic plantation style architecture characterized by split pitched roofs, generous covered lanai and seamless indoor/outdoor living. And they’re designed for pure island ease: The only decisions you need to make are whether to add a guest cottage or garage, and if you’d like to have the Parrish Collection furnish and manage your home."
That's a description which should get Jack T's attention. Amazing, I know, but it certainly got mine!
And in other news from my favorite modular home company: Irontown Homes is delivering another high end prefab home to Santa Barbara on November 21st. With the high ceilings, customization, hardwood floors and floor to ceiling windows you won’t believe this is a prefab home!
This 2,100 sf home was designed by Clever Homes and Toby Long Design. It is a beautiful modern 2 story design with 22’ tall ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. The smooth wall interior and dark hardwood floors offer a clean and sophisticated atmosphere. The kitchen’s custom cabinetry is beautiful with translucent countertops and stainless steel appliances. The homeowner will enjoy the Santa Barbara weather with a covered porch, trellis and a 2 car garage all done modularly by Irontown Homes. With their turn-key division Irontown also installed the foundation and will complete the home on-site after the modules are delivered.
This home will join many high end homes Irontown has done in other California cities including; Beverly Hills, Half Moon Bay, Manhattan Beach, Goleta, Montecito, Mountain View, Santa Barbara, Los Gatos, and Los Altos. Irontown also has some impressive upcoming deliveries to Carlsbad, San Diego and La Jolla.
I wonder if any of the upcoming modular home deliveries have been requested by Jack T for a future HGTV Dream Home or Green Home? Or maybe for a whole new series of home giveaways titled "Make Mine Modular." Ah yes, the stuff that dreams are made of!
Well, I live close enough to Los Altos and to Mountain View to take a ride over and check out those developments–but somehow I am wishing I could check out Sta. Barbara, La Jolla and San Diego as easily !
Good idea, LLColeman. I'd love to watch one of Irontown's high-end prefab homes being delivered and setup. I'll have to check with their office to find out the dates for when the San Diego, Carlsbad and La Jolla homes are to be set on site. Even the Santa Barbara home would be fun to see, and I've been meaning to get up there and spend a few days in one of my old haunts — as a tourist. It's been far too long since my last visit, and it's such a beautiful city.
Oh no, that reminds me, I've got a day trip to the Mission Inn in Riverside coming up for the spectacular annual Christmas lighting kick-off. Boy, I need to get in some serious rest so I don't go into a time-zone slump as I wait for all of those millions of colorful lights to illuminate an entire city block of Spanish Mission style architecture and gardens, to the amazement and delight of bystanders of all ages.
Oh well, somebody's got to do it.
Along with the Rose Parade on 2 January, 2012, HGTV is putting on the holiday season with high style according to the following news item:
Larger-than-life decorations, sparkling fantasy trees and thousands of glowing lights are just the beginning when it comes to holiday décor for the stars. During two one-hour specials of the viewer favorite, Celebrity Holiday Homes, HGTV will follow six of America's hottest singers, sports figures and actors as they prepare for the holidays.
The first special, premiering on Sunday, December 4, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, will feature American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, NFL quarterback Kurt Warner and CSI Miami star Eva LaRue as they decorate their homes with the help of an interior designer.
The second special, airing Sunday, December 18, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, will showcase the stunning seasonal décor of actor Wayne Brady, country music star Jo Dee Messina and actress Alison Sweeney.
It's beginning to feel a lot like Happy Holidays are nearly upon us! And coincidentally, the Chipmunks Christmas song is playing on the TV music channel as I blog at this very moment. ALLLVIIIINNNN — cut that out, Alvin!
I hope our house will be decorated for Christmas!!! I would love to see THAT!!!!
Guess what everyone? I'm in Kiwani Club at my high school, and this year we get to go volunteer to work on the floats and be in the Rose Parade in Pasadena! I'm really excited, especially since the HGTV crew's supposed to be there
!
Good for you! Let us know who you see.
Congratulations Emily!! You need to make sure they have the blue on the float like it is on the outside of our house!!! I don't know why I am so concerned about that. ??? I guess I just want it to be exactly like our house. Thank you in advance!
Have a GREAT time!!! Let us know!!!
Hey Emily! I was thinking about you and wondering how you were doing on the floats? I see that our house is blue, the way it's supposed to be, huh?
I haven't seen you on here, so I thought I would call and see how you are!
Hugs!!!
Pretty sure others would like to know too! If you have a chance, could you write something about your journey for us? Thanks in advance!! Stay safe!! :*
Ode to a Rambling Ranch
Oh Rambling Ranch
Dear Rambling Ranch
Tugs at my heart strings
With just one glance.
Wide open prairie
Rushin' river too
Snow-capped mountains
Making dreams come true.
The pride of Midway
Set on a grassy knoll
Beauty for all seasons
She lifts our soul.
With room for family
Designed just so
For old and young folks
A place to grow.
A homespun farmstead
Dressed down — well done
This Dream Home's country
Who'll be the lucky one?
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in Ode to a Rambling Ranch are DB Coop's personal views and may not represent those who have voted for the Dreamy View, Sensational Sunset, Cool Colors or Utah Sunrise banners. :p
What a poem! Great for a person with possible jet lag. If you're the "lucky one," you can frame the poem and hang it in your kitchen.
Woo Hoo!!!!!
Sensational Sunset is my vote.
Our first winter here, 2008, we had a world-record snowfall. It snowed for days and days to the point where the fences were obscured and the cows were belly-deep in snow. The berms of snow plowed were so high that the houses were practically invisible. It's never been like that in subsequent years, thank goodness. It was pretty but there was so much damage and the next year we had to have heat tapes put on the north side of our roof to prevent ice dams.
i loved the new videos thats what i been waiting to see
My favorite is Rambling Ranch. The graphics stand out more in white. Cool colors was a close second.
I like the first one
"RAMBLING RANCH" gets my vote too. It's the only one that really show-cases the Dream Home!