Okay, I didn’t win this year’s HGTV Dream Home Give Away (even though I should have–I would have been much more excited and appreciative than the woman who actually did!), but now we all get another chance at a great place to live.

This house suits my style more anyway, because it’s designed to be eco-friendly–which I’m totally into.

Check out the site. Even if you decide not to enter or don’t think you’ll win, there’s lots of great ideas for organizing, decorating and renovating that have minimal impact on the environment.

For those of you who’ve been following our “extreme home makeover” and so-called “flip” that’s been going on for the past 3 years, finally–our flooring has arrived. And that’s a big step toward moving in and eventually moving on!

A large truck pulled up yesterday and delivered stacks and stacks of wide pine that we have to let sit for 2 weeks to acclimate before we can sand, stain and install it.

Does anyone have an opinion or pointers on installation, what color to stain, how to care for wide pine floors (how to best get the dirt out from between all those little cracks if the boards spread) or decorating advice (what goes best w/this type of flooring)? We have a tiny Cape built in 1800 but most of it has been modernized. I’m not a big fan of cutesy country but I do like the cozy look.

If you’re huge fan of wide pine, post or send me your pix!

If you haven’t already seen or heard about it, HGTV is giving away an incredible house in Islamorada, FL. I probably shouldn’t tell you about it because it lessens my chances of winning, but then again, if you win and not me, maybe I can visit you there or we can set up a little timeshare!

I think IIIIIIII should be the one to win it because I love Islamorada, and it’s one of the first places my now husband and I went to together during our trip to the Keys.

When I win, don’t worry, I’ll let you in on all the great design features of my new vacation home.