Dream big
What's fully furnished, 15 miles from Lake Tahoe and comes with $250,000 cash? HGTV's Dream Home.
For the 18th year, the cable network is giving away a custom-built retreat surrounded by a setting to die for. The HGTV Dream Home website describes this year's design as a "modern twist on the traditional, rustic mountain house." The 3,200-square-foot abode sleeps 10 and has views of the Carson Mountain Range through two-story walls of windows. It's decked out with eclectic-style furnishings, and amenities such as a double-sided fireplace wrapped in hot rolled steel, facing the master bedroom and outdoor dining patio. It would be great to win just the kitchen alone, with its 16-foot island lined with yellow leather bar stools next to top-of-the line appliances. You can enter online twice per day — once on www.HGTV.com and once on www.FrontDoor.com — until Feb. 14. Check HGTV's schedule for Dream Home TV tour specials.
Winter farmers markets
Cold weather hasn't deterred the vendors from the Kingfield and Fulton farmers markets. A winter version will move indoors on select Saturdays starting Jan. 25 at Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Minneapolis.
Shop for locally grown and produced cheese, meats, canned goods, crafts and some fresh produce in the warm greenhouse. There are also demonstrations, beverages for sale and kids' activities. A free program on "Cold Weather Vegetable Seed Sowing" is from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 25. Other farmers market dates are Feb. 22 and March 22. Call 612-861-7600.
Design 101
Do you want to update your home's interiors — but aren't sure how to get started? Gabberts Design Series explains design techniques, principles, styles and the psychology of color. You'll also learn how to measure and draw a floor plan. Classes meet 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 21, 23, 28 and 30 at Gabberts, 69th Street and France Avenue S., Edina. Cost is $95 and includes instruction, workbook, design templates and a one-on-one design consultation. Register at www.gabberts.com or call 952-928-3123.
