Rubbish

Our Friday plans were foiled. Heather, Cheryl, and I were scheduled to meet last night so we could tape today's Free For All Friday video. Eight inches of snow later, we wimpy Texans decided to stay home instead of braving the wet and slushy roads.

I promised the blog wouldn't fall apart in the absence of our much anticipated video and that, somehow, I would pull out an extra blog post for the week. Void of a real topic, I resort to writing about what is on my mind - good, bad, or boring.

First. Creativity is everywhere. Look at what some of my neighbors whipped up last night.

Second. How do you throw away a garbage can? My husband and I have been trying to throw away a garbage can for weeks. At first we tried placing the old garbage can in the new one, hoping they get the hint and figure out the can itself was garbage. No go. Then we tried printing "garbage" in black sharpie on the side of the can. Still no go. Got any suggestions?

Third. Today marks the culmination of the latest Target Challenge. A recap of this creative game for Highlowaha's newbies. I purchase an item from the Dollar Bin at Target and then present it to Heather and Cheryl. Testing their creativity, these women u se the item to do something clever. Then you the readers vote on who made best use of the item. I've recently decided to get in on the action, so check out all three and then vote on the one you like most.

Entry A

Inspirational Quote

Entry B

Cupcake Stand

Entry C

Dishwasher Magnet

Fourth. When all else fails, it's Free For All Friday. What do you want to talk about?

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday: Technical Difficulties

T.G.I.F. everyone!

Click below, but don't blink. We experienced quite a few technical difficulties while taping, so who knows how much of today's video will actually transmit.


Don't forget to visit www.thebreastcancersite.com and to click on the words, "donating a mammogram." Get 10 other people to visit and help provide mammograms to underprivileged women.

Finally, win the unclaimed rooster cookie cutter by sharing suggestions for fun ways we might celebrate Highlowaha's upcoming anniversary week. Coming your way in mid-February!

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday: New Year, New You

T.G.I.F.

We are warming up in the new year (a figure of speech, as it is a chilly 26 degrees outside right now).

We don't have a lot of ground to cover, but it's a good start to the new year. Don't miss our update about the Super Bowl Snack Throw Down...

.

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday: Friends, Fashion, and Fun

It's that time of the week when you get to settle in and watch our weekly Free For All Friday Video.

Don't miss:

• Meeting our visitors
• Winning the unclaimed Shine Ball
• Casting your votes for the Super Bowl Snack Throw Down AND...
• The Target Challenge, and
• Finding out if you won this week's Altoid prize.

And don't miss the conclusion of Highlowaha's Fashion Week, by checking out the clip below.

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday: Anniversary Edition

T.G.I.F Everyone.

Today Richard and I celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary. The traditional gift for ten years is tin or aluminum, while the modern gift suggestion is diamonds! Tin versus diamonds... seriously? My husband is the total traditionalist, so I'm not holding out hope.

Truth is, he's been out of country traveling on business for the past six days and doesn't return until this evening. He could show up at the door step with an aluminum Coke can and I'd think it was pretty great.

Jump in on the fun. Today's video includes:

• Target Challenge: December
• Throw Down update and voting instructions for the next two weeks
• Altoid winner, and
• Our Free For All Question(s) of the Day

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday: Raving Fans

Cut to the chase.

Last day of our Half Time Fun and lots to announce.

First, a recap of yesterday. Many of you took me seriously when I announced that yesterday's simple task of nominating someone for the Yellow Envelope Project was the calm before the storm. You must be resting up for what you know will be a climactic ending!

Only fourteen nominations were submitted - 9 for the Danko Defenders and 5 for the Holiday Armadillos. Two points to the Danko Defenders for recruiting the most Yellow Envelope nominees. Congratulations, Kate.

Five judges evaluated the fourteen nominations and an amazing woman, Peggy, received the majority of our judges votes. Peggy was nominated by a team member from the Holiday Armadillos! Congratulations, Lauren!

Tune in on Saturday to read more about Peggy and to get her address, so you can send a Yellow Envelope.

Now the moment many of you have been waiting for...

Free For All Friday

Get ready for some Snack Throw Down Half Time fun. But, first...

Check out our winners of: monthly t-shirt, owl cookie cutter, and Altoid Table prize.

Lauren, Kate, and all you raving Throw Down fans. Listen up. Listen very carefully....

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday

Thank goodness it's Friday - Homecoming Friday for so many of us who live in Texas. Go Mustangs!

Lots of ground to cover, since our new format means we only videotape every other Friday.

Check out our video. It's the only way to:

• Meet the fourth person at our table is this week
• Discover this week's Super Bowl winner or find out next week's competing ingredients
• Find out if your are this week's lucky Altoid Table winner
• Catch the names of contest winners over the last couple of weeks
• Get clued in on Highlowaha's Yellow Envelope Project
• Receive the ever important prompt for this week's Free For All Topic(s), and...
• See our shining faces!

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday: Best Seller

Once upon a time..

there were four women... but tonight only three, bringing you another best-selling day of Highlowaha fun.

Prelude: Vote here

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Chapter 1, Target Challenge

Chapter 2, Altoid Table Winner

Chapter 3, Super Bowl Snack Throw Down: Kate v. Lauren plus vote for next week's ingredient

Chapter 4, Shine Shirt Winner

Chapter 5, The cliffhanger... What is today's Free For All topic?

Glossary: Click here for Kate's Cheddar Cheese Recipe and here for Lauren's Cheddar Cheese Recipe

The end.

Free For All Friday: Snack Throw Down Kick-Off

T.G.I.F.

Welcome to the new people, visiting our site in support of Lauren and Kate who are preparing to compete in Week #1 of or Football Snack Throw Down.

Wanna know the two ingredients between which you are voting? Click on our video, take a sneak peek into our fun community, and check out the first two ingredients of the season. Then visit our comment section to vote on the ingredient you think they should have to use.

Also this week...

Last StrengthsQuest Saturday is tomorrow!

Taste of USA
Shine... Which project will it be?

Altoid Table winner of the week, and

Free For All Topic of the Week

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday

All I can say is...  

Welcome Misty

Shine.

Tag line

Winners, 

turn your volume down and...

Get ready to rumble!

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday: And the Winners Are...

It's Friday, it's sunny, and it's still summer. Life is good.

We've had a fun week on Highlowaha and hope to see all of you back with us next week. We'll be switching gears a bit and relaxing after a rigorous week of competition.

On today's video...

StrengthsQuest Saturday

Altoid Table Winner

Target Challenge Voting

Fancy Flour Cookie Cutter Wrap-up

Get you Ikeasaurus Shirt

TRIATHLON WINNERS, and

Free For All Friday Topic of the Week...

With no further ado...

Free For All Friday..."And winner takes all" from Ray Wattson on Vimeo.

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday: Boot Scootin' Boogie

T.G. I. F. Today we:

• Bid Katie a farewell
  
• Unveil the...
  
• Warm up for the HLA Creativity Triathlon
  
• Talk of two other HLA challenges
  
• Make plenty of announcements,
  
• and request your "free-for-alling" on two topics.
  

With no further ado, let the fun commence.

Free For All Friday: On Location

T.G.I.F. to all our new and returning Highlowaha readers!

If you are visiting us, because you purchased (or received) a baked good from Children's Courtyard, in Grapevine, Texas, then click the video below to see if have a winning number. Instructions are included as to how to claim your prize. And, welcome to our fun community. We hope it will be your first of many visits.

If you are valued returner to Highlowaha then T.G.I.F. We made it through another fun week. Thanks for all the participation and for joining us in our celebration of National Ice Cream Week (...or as Ray would say, "Ice Cream Weak!" Curious to check out the winning sundae from Tuesday? Click below.

Chime in on something we talked about or share a Free For All topic of your own.

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday

Lights, camera, action...



If you're running behind and still don't have a Father's Day gift in mind, ask and we'll help you Free For All a few ideas. The cake pictured below was a suggestion from last year.

Signing off until tomorrow...

Our First Hundred Days

As I went to post today's blog I realized it will be the 100th post under the new format, four writers strong. It seems somewhat serendipitous then that this is the last post under this format before we change over to the new structure as Claudia described on Tuesday (Claudia writing Monday-Thursday, Friday serving as our Free For All Video and Saturday allowing each of us to take the reigns once a month). Like the President, our first 100 days have allowed us to refine our strategy, develop a more deliberate approach, and learn the ropes. Now that we have determined our course of action you can bet that great things are bound to happen.

With all that said, here's this week's Free For All Friday...




So what are your thoughts? Free for all the "Pounding Party" and let us know if you are in for a Dine by Design party and what theme you might choose.

As always I'll start.
How about "Pound for Pound the best friend around!"
Dine by Design I'm still contemplating and will have to think about it more today and check back in later.

Also, you may have spotted a new feature on the right side of the blog. It's called "Surprise Me"! If you click on this it will take you to a random post within our blog. This can provide you with a blast from the past or maybe a fresh idea that you've forgotten about! Check it out and enjoy!

See you all on twitter! (www.twitter.com/raywattson)

Signing off until tomorrow...

Zig! Zag!

Welcome to the most hodged-podged, Free For All Friday ever and today I really need your help. With all this writing about bacon, being sick and keeping up with Taste of USA I have some how been caught off guard and my regularly scheduled content isn't ready. So hang on because I'm not really sure what you're going to get. Zig and Zag!

While I was at home on Wednesday wishing I just had a bad hangover and able to eat a slab of bacon to cure it, I watched some TV in between dosing. I watched Trading Spouses where the mom from Grapevine switched with a mom from a south Dallas. The twist to the show is that the mom's get to decide how the other family gets to spend their prize money of $50,000. I couldn't believe the words that were coming out of this Grapevine ladies mouth! She expected this new family to fix her coffee and make her meals. She acted like she was coming in and "rescuing" this family. Back home she had her dear 70 year old, Japanese mother in law waiting hand and foot on her and her family. The south Dallas mom quickly caught on to the fact that MIL did all the mom's work. The mother in law got a bulk of the money. Has anyone seen this show? What are your thoughts?

I also watched Ellen. She's hilarious. She gave away the Flip cameras that are so cool. I wish I had one to give away to you today. But I don't. She had last year's American Idol winner singing on the show. I know we have some American Idol fans out there. Not me. I haven't watched a single show. I tried to get into it but I got so irritated at the beginning of the season when they focus so much on the horrible singers for comedic purposes. But, I hear it was a huge upset the other night with Kris winning over Adam. Maureen, are you still reading? I know you were cheering for Kris! Who were you cheering for?

I also watched Oprah. Her show focused on a family giving up all technology. It was only for seven days but still. No TV. No video games. No computers. No cell phones. AND- they couldn't eat out. They had to shop at the grocery store on a budget. (Y'all probably all do that anyway, don't you?) At first, they were in shock but as the show went on they realized that they liked doing things together. There was a time period when I was unplugged. Not the "No eating out part" because I don't cook but the no technology part for sure. The boys weren't old enough for video games yet, I didn't have a computer at home, and we did have a TV but we didn't have any service to it. We lived in the mountains on the basement level so antennas didn't work. We did watch videos though. That may have violated the rules.

My point is, could you do it? Could you? Would you? Give up all the technology that comes into your home and reconnect with the people that live there?

Today I am going to my very first Field Day with my boys so I will be unplugged for the day. Scheduled events include the shoe toss, the wooden spoon/egg relay, the sponge/water relay, tug-o-war, 50 yard dash, sack races, the balloon toss and MORE! I took the day off from work and I'm just going to soak in the sun, fun competition and snow cones extending my Memorial Day weekend even longer. Life is grand! Do your kids have Field Day?

Thanks so much for hanging in there with me on this unscheduled content. Now, feel free to discuss TV, debate Ellen vs. Oprah, unplugging from technology, or your favorite field day event. I will check in with you at the end of the day and can't wait to see what y'all have drummed up. Make it good! And juicy!

Signing off until tomorrow...

P.S. I'm sorry you have to work today, Margaret. I hope it's the fastest day ever so you can get on the golf course!

You're My Favorite

It's Free For All Friday! Cheryl here and today I want to share with you some of my favorite things in hopes that maybe you will share some of your own. The things that I love along with some new things that I want to keep fresh in my mind and use at a later date.

1. Paper lanterns- I don't own one but I've always loved the look of them. I want to run out and purchase one of every color and every size and throw several parties in different themes... orange, white and black for Halloween. All white for a cocktail party by the pool. Pink, blue, and yellow for a baby shower. You get the picture.

2. Along with the paper lanterns I have fallen in love with the styling's of Fabric Bunting... I've always seen these in the solid color vinyl ones and eh- they didn't do so much for me but lately I've seen them in these great vintage fabrics and I'm telling you, it's LOVE! Just google fabric bunting- you'll fall in love, too.

3. Cotton Candy reminds me of being a kid. Whenever I see it at an event all fluffy and pink on it's white paper stick I know I have to have it. And I let me boys have their own, too. I love how their fingers and faces get all sticky with it. I'm also partial to rock candy.

4. Pepperoni Pizza- my comfort food. Growing up we had a pizza oven and my mom could always tell when I felt better after being sick because I would cook up a Tony's frozen pepperoni pizza and eat the whole thing by myself! Oh, the days of eating whatever you wanted and still being skinny!

5. The single greatest invention- the iPod! You couldn't record a record or 8 track tape but then cassettes came along and the Mix Tape was invented. Then the Mix CD I guess but he iPod puts all those to shame! You can have list after list of music. My iPod is filled with country to rock to cheesy 80's and other oldies to blues and jazz. I have my workout mix, my mello mix, and so on. Music- it makes me feel good.

6. Blueberry Stack Cake is the cake that me dear ex-mother-in-law would make for everyone of my birthdays and it is divine! I haven't had it since I've been divorced but this year for my 40th birthday I am determined to bring it back into my life. I even have the recipe.

7. The Starbucks Caramel Macchiato is the perfect mix of coffee. Breakfast of champions!

8. Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series has provided an escape like no other. Time travel, romance and historical adventure sweeps me away time and time again. These books are long and involved so whenever she has a new book coming out (and she has another one coming out in the fall) I start re-reading the series so I can remember all the details.

9. Not all sandals are made alike but I like them all. There's nothing better than a cute pair of sandals and pretty pedicure to make a girl feel special. I realize I maybe girlier than others but I may transform you yet. Okay, maybe not any guys reading but maybe you have a favorite pair of shoes, like your golf shoes or something.

10. These boys are the best gift my ex ever gave me. I remember holding Drew in the glow of his blue cloud lamp in the middle of the night thinking, "How in the world can someone love another person this much?" The weight of his tiny body and that enormous love always makes me cry. And I love the second one just as much.

I didn't even mention my favorite beer, my favorite restaurant, my favorite stores to shop at and so on and so on. It's endless, isn't it?

Today is Free For All Friday and so feel free to share your favorites or any other topic that you would like the brains of this readership to give you some tips on.

Signing off until tomorrow...

Free For All Friday: Easter Eve and So Much More

You should know that the four of us truly enjoy one anothers company and that we look forward to spending every Thursday night together so we can talk about our Highlowaha community.

I wonder if your ears were ringing.  

They say your ears ring when you're being talked about and we spend a lot of time talking about how much we are enjoying getting to know all of you.  Last night we talked about how much fun it was to get a peek into Chaotic and Peggy's worlds by seeing photos of their homes.  We also mentioned how nice it was to see Robin back on the scene and pondered where some of the oldies but goodies might have gone.  Longstanding reader, Nan, even stopped by the house for a few minutes and promised to come back again next Thursday night.

We could spend another day talking about interior design.  Andrea has more tips to share... Remember greenery in your home and make sure it looks fresh ; use catalogs to gather home decorating ideas and then visit discount stores to achieve the same look for less money; No roller coasters.  When you scan a room in your house you don't want the up and down lines of a roller coaster.  The goal is to pick furniture and hang pictures in such a way that there is one general line.

It's Free for All Friday, so why spend the whole day talking only about decorating and clean- sweeping?  

What else ya got that we can talk about?

We could brainstorm fun things to put in Easter Eggs.  Oops... Been there done that.  That was last year's Free For All topic.  And you know the rules...  creative idea a day, never repeating the same idea twice.  Check out last year's post for fun ideas.  http://highlowaha.blogspot.com/2008/03/free-for-all-friday-show-me-money-and.html

Favorite Easter candy.  How about that?

I polled Heather, Cheryl, and Katie.  Here are ours.  Heather: Papas Eggs (when she's in Northern Kentucky and get hold of them.  Cadbury Mini Eggs otherwise.  Cheryl: Robin Egg Malt Balls; Katie: Cadbury Mini Eggs (from the freezer); and me: Russell Stover Coconut Nests (with the three jelly beans neatly tucked in the center).

How about you?  What's your favorite Easter Candy?

Cassie, only one more week until your mom's big 80s celebration.  Need any last minute advice or ideas?

Respond to one of our topics or pose your own!

Signing off until tomorrow...

March Madness: California Coast

Congratulations to the California Golden Girls who will be coasting right into Highlowaha's March Madness Semi Finals. Yesterday was a picture perfect day with close to 60 people voting on the next best way to preserve our favorite photos - Animoto videos or Shutterfly's Photo Books. In the end the newer... and "free-er" Animoto won out (my dad would cringe at my use of a non-word).

Special thanks to the Derby City Darlings, who under Melanie's leadership put together a formidable line-up of creative ideas. Today we will peek inside the play book of the Derby City Darlings to see what else they had up their sleeves. Since it's Friday, we will also Free For All about other topics of interest.

Idea #2
Bottle/Sippy Cup Bands: You know those rubber “LiveStrong” bracelets that became oh-so popular a few years ago – it seemed like every cause had a different band for a while there and some people are still wearing them. Well some ingenious mother came up with the idea to create a similar product that fits around a child’s bottle or sippy cup with the child’s name. The band is dishwasher & microwave safe, won’t wear off like permanent marker or adhesive labels, and, can be used again and again on whatever bottle/cup is needed that day. I know of several church nursery helpers who are singing the praises of this product! http://www.littlepiddles.com/custombumpyname.html

Idea #3
Our Favorite Website: Flylady.com: Short on time and tired of the clutter in your home? Visit www.flylady.com . From the website, “FlyLady uses the Sidetracked Home Executive (SHE) system as a basis for organizing her home and her life. She adds humor, spunk, and a dose of common sense to her advice, but be prepared - FlyLady does not allow whining.”

Idea #4
Reusable Paper Towels: Striving to be green, but can’t live without the ease of a role of paper towels in your kitchen? Order these reusable paper towels, made from fabric to match your kitchen decor, that snap back onto a roll after being washed so they are ready to use again! http://hyenacart.com/prod_details.php?id+79973&vid+1898

Idea #5
A Bright Idea =’s a REALLY COOL Lamp: Do you have an item in your house that you have been hanging onto or that you just don’t know what to do with? Is there a room that needs a light fixture, but your tired of the same ole same ole lamps? Why not create a one of a kind original lamp. Stores such as hobby lobby, home depot, Lowe’s and many others sell various kits to create one of a kind lamps. Have a stack of old books, drill a hole down the middle and make a lamp How about a really cool mason jar, or vase? The sky is the limit, literally. This is an idea that Ray is sure to love! http://www.nationalartcraft.com/subcategory.asp?gid+1&cid+156&scid=226

Now some Free For All Topics...

Jack's Dog Party: Jack and his pack had fun at last Saturday's birthday party. Soon after guests arrived they used pom poms, glitter, foam cutouts, sequins, ribbons, flowers, and pipe cleaners to decorate party hats worthy of a Dog Party. Afterwards we read, "Go Dog Go," ate lunch out of dog bowls, played pin the dog tag on the dog collar, ate a dog bone shaped cake, played some more, and then sent guests on their way with a "doggie bag" in hand. Doggie bags included a small stuffed dog, a tennis ball for playing catch, dog bone shaped cookies, and dog stickers. The nicest surprise of the day? Richard found Scoobie Snacks - cinnamon cookies shaped liked dog bones. Final note: If the kids were a bit older I might have had them hunt for dog bones or play every dog's favorite game - BINGO! Brainstorming a future party of your own? Let us help.

St. Patrick's Day: Earlier this week, Erica suggested we generate ideas for celebrating St. Patrick's Day with our family and friends. If you were around last year at this time you might remember my telling you about Shamrock Shakes. Here's the Reader's Digest version. Every St. Patrick's Day, my mother gave me enough money to treat me and a friend to a green Shamrock Shake at McDonalds (I guess there are enough Irish people in New York to warrant this once-a-year specialty drink). Soon after meeting Richard and Ricky ten years ago I revived this favorite childhood memory. We make our own shakes using plenty of green dye (that's the fun part) and sipping them through (hoisted) McDonalds straws (all shakes are better when sipped through a McDonalds straw). How about you? What ideas to you have for making St. Patrick's Day extra fun for your family and friends?

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Almost one month into our new year and one or two of you have taken a second to share what you like and dislike about our new format. We want to hear from the rest of you. Tell us what you think.

Signing off until tomorrow...