DIY Network

Hey there.

It’s Mary here, the roving Blog Cabin writer and editor. Nice to meet you all and join in the blog-posting fun with Watson. I am popping in today to share some good news: We’re finally ready to announce the details of this year’s getaway. Are you ready?

We’re flipping the program on its ear this year. Rather than building from the ground up, we’re going to gut renovate from the inside out. We’ve chosen a ’70s rancher in upstate New York – Bethel, N.Y., to be exact – nestled in the shadow of the gorgeous Catskills Mountains. And rather than assemble one team to remodel the home from start to finish, we’ve decided to divvy up responsibilities amongst our most popular show hosts, based on their areas of expertise: Kitchen Impossible’s Marc Bartolomeo, BATHtastic!’s Matt Muenster, House Crashers’ Josh Temple, Yard Crashers’ Ahmed Hassan and Desperate Landscapes’ Jason Cameron. In each of five show episodes that begin airing in mid August, these talented guys, led by licensed contractor John DeSilvia, will completely transform the indoor and/or outdoor spaces they’ve been assigned. (Expect jaw-dropping before and afters!)

Two important things that remain unchanged? The first: We will rely on you to choose the products and materials used to renovate and update this vacation getaway. People’s Choice voting begins sometime this month. Keep checking the blog for updates and sign up for the DIY Newsletter to receive voting reminders. The second: You get to enter for your chance to win this fabulous home. You design it. We build it. You get to win it!

Are you as excited as I am? Pretty neat concept, right? Let us know your thoughts – the good and the constructive. And if you haven’t already, take a look at photo galleries we’ve dedicated to the home and the neighborhood.

Hello Light-at-the-End-of-the-Tunnel Bloggers,

I finally have some information to share with you pertaining to Blog Cabin 2010. There are two key dates for you moving forward: Monday, February 1 and Monday, February 15.

On Monday, Feb. 1, we’ll be announcing the location of Blog Cabin 2010. The only thing I’ll say now is that it is a dramatic geographic departure from previous Blog Cabins. And on Monday, Feb. 15, voting on Blog Cabin 2010 features will begin!

We’re particularly excited about the voting interaction – we’ve upped the online experience and hope you’ll enjoy voting and come back each day. You’ll also be relieved to learn that we’ve restricted the amount of times you can vote each day. Last year’s unlimited voting won’t be repeated. Good, no?

One final note. On Feb. 1 you’ll also be meeting a new blogging host – Blog Cabin Editor Extraordinaire Mary. Mary is our point person for Blog Cabin 2010, gathering all the behind-the-scenes info, interviews, images and myriad details for BC 2010 and is eager to jump in.

Hang tough just a few more (11) days, Faithful Bloggers – we’re almost there!

Cheers,

Watson, DIYNetwork.com Manager

Happy 2010 Bloggers!

As we welcome in 2010, I hope the new year and new decade are both filled with happiness for you. The new year, however, has not brought us any news other than to say that Blog Cabin 2010 remains in a holding pattern.

The beginning of January has been synonymous with the opening of Blog Cabin voting features. That won’t be the case this year, and a timeline we have penciled in for February is still subject to change. What is exciting is seeing how Blog Cabin 2010 is going to look online. Our design teams have challenged themselves with creating the best online presence yet, so once the legalities have been satisfied, we’ll be ready to present the Cabin in short order.

I know that many of you are aware that the HGTV Dream Home 2010 Giveaway is happening now.  The home in beautiful New Mexico is stunning to behold, as well as the $500,000 cash prize that goes with it.

As soon as there is anything to report concerning Blog Cabin, I’ll share it with you immediately. Until then, keep the faith!

Cheers,

Watson, DIYNetwork.com Manager

Hello Tough-As-Nails Bloggers,

It’s been past the time since I thought I would have a glorious, information-filled update for you. But, alas. Although the word isn’t “setback” or “delay” – we have had some issues that have prevented us from sharing more information for Blog Cabin 2010.

Although that’s not a lot of info, believe it or not, I’ve probably said too much. All I can say is keep the faith and stay tuned. There IS going to be a 2010 Blog Cabin, and it will NOT be business as usual. It’s going to be a different approach, but one we think everyone will love.

In the meantime, I’m sure you are aware we are again handing out cold cash – this time $25,000 worth of the stuff in the Cool Tools Holiday Blitz Giveaway, plus valuable weekly prizes from Stanley To0ls.

Also, there’s a chair to be had out there. But not just any chair; your choice from among nine chairs from HGTV’s Angelo Surmelis. Very cool. Plus, it’s a blogging mystery YOU have to solve. Here’s Clue 1 … and here’s Clue 5. Open up a blank email, follow the links and start compiling your answers as you weave through the various entries. The Clue 5 blog entry provides a summary of everything you need to do. Good luck!

A big Christmas Cheers to everyone,

Watson, DIYNetwork.com Manager

Hello Keeping-the-Faith Bloggers,

Just wanting to check in with everyone and provide a reset. Our Ultimate Kitchen & Bath Giveaway enters its final week, so be sure to enter every day. We’re giving away $100,000 and someone has to win it – why not you?

Short of Blog Cabin 2010, there are still some voting opportunities for you out there. Run My Renovation gives you the opportunity to shape several family’s remodeling projects. Once the voting is in, they are stuck with your decisions, so hop on over and see what’s at stake.

Blog Cabin 2010 is indeed a reality, set to debut early next year. Details are soon to be finalized, and when they are, you’ll be the first to hear about it. Hang in there!

Cheers,

Watson, DIYNetwork.com Manager

Hello Lovely Bloggers,

We are pleased to announce to you the winner of Blog Cabin 2009 sweepstakes.

Cheers,

Watson, DIYNetwork.com Manager

Hello Die-Hard Bloggers,

For those of you here and blogging, I commend you! This time period is truly the slowest when it comes to anything Blog Cabin. Our production companies, creative directors, legal team and many others are working furiously behind the scenes to come up with the most innovative Blog Cabin yet.

In the meantime, we are giving away $100,000 in cold cash for you to create the kitchen and bathroom of your dreams.  It’s the Ultimate Kitchen & Bath Giveaway and you can enter daily between now and November 20. So give it a shot.

Cheers,

Watson, DIYNetwork.com Manager

(P.S. For those of you with an eye for detail, we are now capitalizing the “N” in DIYNetwork.com – didn’t want you to think it was a typo!)

Hello Bloggers,

With voting opportunities over for the next few months as considerations for Blog Cabin 2010 are being made, there are other chances to cast votes. Run My Renovation needs your voting choices for future remodeling projects, plus there’s another neat project that came across my desk.

Shine a Light is a partnership between NBC Universal and American Express highlighting inspiring small businesses: businesses that have demonstrated innovation and resilience through challenging times, continue to give back to the community and have a customer-first approach.

Over 4,000 small businesses were nominated to potentially win a grant and marketing support totaling $100,000 from American Express, but now the list is down to three finalists. And in true do-it-yourself spirit, we want to recognize Beacon Paint & Hardware in New York, New York.

A neighborhood hardware store that has been on the same block for 109 years, they have “become a household name to the entire school community, donating vast amounts of paint, lighting and materials. Beacon also sponsors a walkathon for the Xeroderma Pigmentosum Society and a community cleanup day to paint over any graffiti on mailboxes or lampposts.”

I love stories like these, and currently Beacon Paint & Hardware is in third. I know you all can change that by voting today. It is my duty, however, to alert you to the other two deserving finalists: Sacred Wind Communications and HAPPYBABY (you can find more info about them in the HGTV Dream Home blog and Rachael Ray’s blog).

Of course, you’ll have to register before you can vote, but once that formality is out of the way, please read more about Beacon Paint & Hardware and lend your support. It’s a great cause and will burn a few moments before Blog Cabin gears back up!

Cheers,

Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager

Editorial Disclaimer: This post is in conjunction with our sponsor American Express in partnership with NBC Universal for Shine a Light.

Hello Ever-Engaged Bloggers,

The odyssey of Blog Cabin 2009 is essentially at an end. Now we wait for the winner to be drawn. Despite the challenges, DIY Network’s braintrust is celebrating a successful season and have already turned their eyes to 2010.

But the framework is far from being decided, including the location. You still have a chance below to lobby for where you would like Blog Cabin 2010 to be located. Considerations are being made, so let’s hear from all parts of the country! Where would you build the next Blog Cabin (and why)?

Cheers,

Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager

Hello Faithful Bloggers,

As October 2 (the last day to enter the Blog Cabin sweepstakes) approaches, we hope that little dollar signs are springing up in your thoughts. As most of you know, a substantial cash prize is filling in for the beautiful cabin in North Carolina.

And in this economy, a couple’a some-odd five hundred large (here’s the rules) will go a long way for some lucky Blog Cabinite. And don’t forget, you can provide your well-formulated opinions on the cabin here, tour the cabin here, see all video updates here, watch full episodes here and you can even peruse featured products here.

Best,

Watson, DIYnetwork.com Manager