If I Was Made of Money…

… Roo would be wearing this to school. (And I'd be matching her!)

Kid by Phillip Lim Little Girl's Ruffled Motorcycle Leather Jacket, $650, and Suspended Bow Shift Dress, $350, at Saks Fifth Avenue. Drool.

Tassimo T20 Coffee Brewer Giveaway

***WINNER PICKED 2/11 WITH RANDOM.ORG***

***CONGRATULATIONS, #1 (seriously!) Lisa @thebeadgirl!!!***

her comment...
i'm going with starbucks verona. it's my fav!

I am married to someone who hates the smell of coffee. Hard to believe, I know, but it's true. For this reason, I love the recent spate of single cup brewers hitting the market lately. They make great tasting coffee without the wastefulness of brewing a whole pot for one person. Okay, I admit it– I would probably drink all the whole thing over the course of a day. And you can probably guess that I don't need that much caffeine in my life! I'm edgy enough, as is…

I've been using the Keurig Platinum for a few years now but jumped at the chance to try the Tassimo T20 by Bosch. I've always been a fan of Bosch design, everything is sleek and purposeful in that peculiarly Teutonic way. The Tassimo T20 is no exception, with a slim and compact profile that makes my old brewer look archaic.

Tassimo T-discs come in more than 40 flavors from well-known brands like Gevalia, Maxwell House, Twinings and more. My favorites thus far have been Starbucks Latte and Cappucino, which taste just like the originals at a fraction of the cost per cup. Check out that foam!

I also love the decadent Suchard hot chocolate although my kids prefer the two-step Milka cocoa. I haven't tried any of the Tassimo tea yet but I am a huge fan of Tazo so I think I will try one of their flavors soon. One drawback is that Tassimo T-discs are not currently available at my regular grocery store. They are widely available at Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, Kohls and Macy’s as well as online at Tassimodirect.com. (In fact, there are some great deals on Tassimo Brewers that include free T-Discs and a generous discount.)

To enter and win your own Tassimo T20 by Bosch, please comment on this post with your favorite T-Disc Beverage.


Entries will be accepted through February 9th and I'll pick the winner using Random.org. US readers are eligible.


For an additional entry, post my button on your blog (see code on sidebar), follow my blog, follow me on Twitter, fan me on Facebook, fave me on Technorati or subscribe via email or subscribe via reader. Leave an extra comment letting me know what you did for each additional entry.


Make sure you leave an email address in your comment or that you have one accessible on your blog so you can be contacted if you win!


***Click Giveaways on my sidebar to see what else you could win!***




Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a Tassimo T20 by Bosch to facilitate this review but all opinions are decidedly my own.

Genesis Today Twitter Party and Valentine's Day Contest

***Update: The Genesis Today Twitter party has been postponed to Monday, February 7th at 10pm EST, due to technical difficulties***

Now you have plenty of time to register and say you were referred by Naomi!

I am a HUGE fan of Genesis Today juices and am one of their Superfood Ambassadors. You should definitely plan on attending the Twitter Party on Monday night, there will be some great prizes and information about nutrition and healthier living. RSVP at Thrifty and Chic Mom and please tell them Naomi/ @superdumb sent you! (The blogger who refers the most attendees wins a bonus prize.)

In addition, Genesis Today is having a Valentine's Day contest- they are giving away $2000 and a "lovers gift basket" (not sure what that entails but I have a vivid imagination…) to a random winner who posts a photo of themselves with a bottle of their Cranberry Goji juice on the Genesis Today Facebook page. I would say that's worth a $6 investment in a juice that's super healthy for you AND tastes great!

The Genesis Today Twitter Party is on Mon 2/7 at 10pm EST Use hashtag #LiveGive; be sure to RSVP today.

Te Amo Clothing

With most items priced under $30, Te Amo clothing is an affordable way to wear up-to-the-minute trends. I can see it being popular with teens and club-goers since most pieces are embellished with rhinestones, fur, or studs. My favorite pieces in the current collection are the "leather" little black dress and the fancy bejeweled, furry vest.

Roo went completely nutty when we opened up the package from Te Amo since everything fit into her current "rock star" aesthetic. Of course, she wouldn't let me take a picture of her in the vest. Teenagers! Oops, I mean six year olds…

Te Amo is available exclusively at Sears and Kmart stores nationwide.


Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received samples of Te Amo Clothing in order to facilitate this review but all opinions are decidedly my own.

31 Days: Slimmer Sandwiches

The biggest epiphany I've had over the course of the 31 Days campaign is that it's not really what you eat as much as how much you eat. Well, obviously, what you eat is kind of important but it's amazing what strides you can make when you just cut down portion sizes. "Big deal!" you say, "I just eat a little sandwich for lunch." Have you ever looked at the nutrition statements on your bread? I really had no idea a tiny slice could pack so many calories! And without many extra nutrients, either, but with plenty of high fructose corn sugar. Egads, what was I thinking?

Arnold and Oroweat Sandwich Thins are a good alternative to regular sandwich breads. They contain no HFCS, are an excellent source of whole grains and dietary fiber, and only contain 100 calories per serving. Conveniently, they are also delicious. They make great traditional sandwiches but also work well as bases for portion-controlled homemade pizzas. I really wish the Seedless Rye variety was available in Kansas! These have become a great staple for me.

Here's a yummy serving suggestion that only looks decadent:

Simple Steak Sandwich
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Chef Claire Robinson, 2010

4 Arnold® or Oroweat® Multi-Grain Sandwich Thins® rolls
1 pound strip loin steak, trimmed
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large Spanish or Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Place steak in freezer for 30 to 45 minutes to make slicing easier.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. Add onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Begin cooking onions and when caramelizing begins, as noted by onions starting to turn brown, add in bell pepper slices and sauté until warm. Add a tablespoon of water as necessary to deglaze pan, and cook onions and peppers for a total of about 15 minutes.

Slice cold steak into thin strips and brush with remaining oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a griddle pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook steak about 1 minute per side.

Place several slices of cooked meat on the bottom half of a Sandwich Thins® roll, and add hot caramelized onions and peppers. Top with the other half of the Sandwich Thins® roll.

Yield: 4 sandwiches
BYOC – Be your own chef MOMENT: Add in a cheese, like provolone or American, to turn this into a simple cheesesteak recipe!

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received samples of Arnold and Oroweat Sandwich Thins in a cute gym tote in order to facilitate this review but all opinions are decidedly my own.

Speed Up Valentine's Day with MyPleasure

The following review/giveaway is for adult eyes only because it involves sex. Mommy and daddy sex. (Everyone under 18 just clicked away, right?) No super explicit stuff here but the links might contain NSFW content. Consider yourself warned.

The Jopen Vanity Vr6 is possibly the prettiest vibrator I've ever seen. Molded from vibrantly colored premium silicone that is hypoallergenic, waterproof, unscented and non-porous, the Vr6 is ergonomically sculpted to curve to a woman's contours, giving it an undulating graceful shape. It is rechargeable, with a lithium ion battery and slim 110/240 volt power adapter that connects via an almost invisible port on the end. (Even plugging it into the socket is kinda sexy!)

Beyond its obvious physical charms, the Vr6 vibrator is a powerhouse. It features dual motors, one in the insertable shaft and one in the stimulator nubbin, and they are both very, very buzzy. You can control both motors separately with touch-sensitive speed controls that go from gentle to OMG in a flash. I figured the Vr6 was more of a solo sex toy for women but apparently menfolk like it, too. (Think of the "Y" shape as a vibrating crotch…) It comes with a satin pouch, ready for Valentine's Day gifting and will definitely outrun a box of chocolates!

Follow MyPleasure on Facebook and Twitter. Also, check out their current blog contest, where you could win a $1000 MyPleasure.com sex toy shopping spree!

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a Jopen Vanity Vr6 from MyPleasure.com to facilitate this review but all opinions are decidedly my own.

Baby Shower Mojo

Moms and Jobs (MoJo) is a Boston-based organization that seeks to "break the cycle of poverty among families in the United States by providing sustainable employment opportunities and strategic benefits in the apparel manufacturing industry." What that means is, they create jobs for poverty-stricken moms, a traditionally underserved workforce demographic. MoJo offers an alternative to meager minimum wage salaries by providing training and a new career path, along with completely funded high-quality child care, healthcare, retirement plans, and even education, to empower mothers and give them independence from welfare and food stamps. The women learn to fabricate garments and accessories from fleece and all of the MoJo sales proceeds provide free child care, competitive salaries, and sustainable employment opportunies for MoJo's single moms.

The MoJo Soft and Snuggly Blanket is made of super-plush Polartec fleece and measuring a generous 48" x 60", it's big enough for mom to cuddle up with but also thick enough to use as a playmat. I know it seems cliche to buy a blanket for a baby shower gift, but I think this is absolutely perfect. Not only is it decadently soft but your present will help more than just one mom and baby… win-win. It would also be a pretty great gift for anyone who likes to snuggle up on the couch watching TV. I actually hide mine for personal use. Shhh!

Follow MoJo on Facebook and on Twitter to learn more.


Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received a MoJo Soft and Snuggly Blanket through the Get a Blanket, Give a Blanket promotion via Klout. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

31 Days: Exercising Options

Here's way more information than you probably want to know about my workout regime…you will see how unnaturally obsessed I am with Jillian Michaels. It's true.

More check-ins at home

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Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I am being compensated for my participation in the 31 Day Challenge but all opinions are my own.

Wordless Wednesday- Snowman

Share your own pictures this week at Wordless Wednesday HQ!

Before you leave, have you entered all of my giveaways?

Elmer's Glue and Glitter

Earlier this week, I was in Ft Lauderdale, Florida for a meeting with Elmer's. You might remember the awesome Bag It Forward campaign I was part of at the beginning of the school year. I was an ambassador on that campaign, through Collective Bias and now there is another spate of Can You Top This craft challenges going on. It's an amazing community and Elmer's wanted to learn more about how we, as bloggers and moms, approach crafting and shopping for craft supplies.

Elmer's was actually holding their annual conference and we were invited to come a bit earlier and meet with their marketing and sales folks. The Collective Bias Glue and Glitter community representatives were Kim from Crafty Mama of 4, Mel from Mama Buzz, Tonya from Create-Celebrate-Explore, Alicia from Making Time for Mommy, Keonte from Mommy 2K and myself. We ate tons of great food, shared plenty of opinions, learned a lot about Elmer's and their family of products (which includes Xacto, Krazy Glue and Giddy Up, along with a plethora of others) and really felt like we were being heard, which is kind of a rarity in blogger-business relationships, in general.

We stayed at the Hyatt Pier 66, which was gorgeous even though it reminded me a lot of Dexter with the outdoor walkways, marina access and tropical splendor. It was almost criminal that we didn't have enough time to check out the beach or pool. Next time…

Of course, we bloggers have a habit of photographing our food. Here's some evidence that I fell off the wagon slightly with my 31 Days Challenge: macadamia-crusted sea bass and creme brulee. I ended up leaving half of the ginormous portions on the plate, so it wasn't an epic fail. I did feel guilty about doing that but it was a crazy amount of food!

Besides, there were wheat grass shots for breakfast in the morning! Pretty but not very tasty… imagine the taste of freshly mown grass.

I had thought we'd be doing more crafting but it ended up being more brainstorming and talking about products and usage. We did have an Iron Craft challenge involving kitchen scrub brushes and Elmer's embellishment, which was hilarious. My team's contribution was inspired by a snail spotted on a wall at the hotel. Can you spot the top secret Elmer's product?

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that my travel and lodging expenses were provided but all opinions are my own. Including the great feeling that Elmer's needs to make a glue gun. Don't you think?

31 Days: Reading Healthier

One of the biggest challenges in adopting a healthy lifestyle is changing the way you think about everything. Food, sure, that's a given but have you ever thought about how your outlook on other things impacts your eating habits and your physical activity? It may not be a really big surprise to you but I've only just realized how much everything in life is interconnected.

Soon after signing on to the 31 Day Challenge (check out the new site!), I read a provocatively-titled post by Julien Smith: How to Lose 20+ lbs in January 2011. It's not as much of a how-to as a call to action, less about losing weight and more about taking ownership of your body. I dig it. He points out some simple things to consider and provides a good reading list to get started with. I borrowed Tim Ferris' much-ballyhooed The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman from the library but was kind of put off by its macho swagger. (It had some good info but overall read like a phone book-sized Men's Health article.) I'm not interested in getting ripped as much as being moderately fit. Yep, I'm a middle-of-the-road girl sometimes.

I received a copy of Oxygen's Pick It Kick It to review. It's not necessarily something I would pick up on my own (its bright colors and lascivious design makes it look like a tabloid tell-all mag about junk food) but it's really pretty smart. Little nutritional factoids and tips can help you a make smarter grocery shopping and dining out choices. For example, if you abhor healthier whole grain breads and will only eat white breads, it suggests you consider choosing sourdough. Why? Because the lactic acid in sourdough aids digestion. Smart, right? It's all about thinking about what you're eating.

Pick It Kick It author Diane Hart is the Executive Editor for Oxygen Magazine and Editor In Chief of Oxygen’s Special Issue Publications. She says that “Eating right doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive – it is a simple matter of making the right choices and that comes from knowing what foods are better than others.” Amen, sister! Here are her tips for eating healthier when dining out:

1. Stick to restaurants known for their healthy food options
2. To cut down on fat intake, order low-fat salad dressing on the side, and then dip your fork between bites to get the flavor without the extra fat
3. To cut calories while keeping taste and nutrition, mix your OJ and other fruit juices with equal amount of mineral water, plain water or seltzer and give the other half to your dining partner
4. Avoid bagels and muffins: Portion sizes have doubled in size and calories over the years, while muffins contain the bad stuff
5. Swap artificial sweeteners for honey, a half-teaspoon worth is just the right sweetness
6. Takes up to 20 minutes for food to digest: chew food thoroughly and slow down
7. Don’t “save your calories” by skipping meals: Not only will you slow down your metabolism, but you will be famished by the meal and most likely overeat
8. Anything “creamed,” “scalloped,” “au gratin,” “sautéed” or “breaded” is most likely loaded with fat: Go for “smoked,” “barbecued,” “roasted,” “grilled” or “broiled”
9. Buffet-Style Dining: Avoid it but tips if you must-Do an initial walk around and find vegetables and other clean etc., next get the small plate and load up on the proteins and other clean foods. Watch out for sauces and fried foods, skip breads and pastas
10. Portion control: Most people underestimate the calories in a meal by 150 to 400 calories; box off half of your meal for leftovers, less calories and two meals out of one saves money

Bob has been reading a lot of spiritual books by world-renowned Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh and has told me a lot about his theories about mindful living. I'm anxious to check out Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life written by Thich Nhat Hanh with nutritionist Lilian Cheung, which combines diet and meditation for a holistic approach. I'm interested in learning how to approach weight loss without the vanity commonly associated with it. Losing not to achieve attractiveness but a sense of balance, if that makes any sense.

What do you think?


Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I am being compensated for my participation in the 31 Day Challenge but all opinions are my own.

Martha Stewart Living for iPad

I was stuck at the airport in Atlanta for seven hours before my flight was ultimately cancelled on Wednesday night. Yes, it was a gigantic pain in the butt, however it was the day that the new digital issue of Martha Stewart Living was released for iPad, so at least that kept me entertained. If only it could shoot food out, too, it would be perfect…

Check this video out for a sample of the awesomeness.

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I didn't receive anything in exchange for this post. I just thought you would get a kick out of watching a Martha Stewart craft being assembled to the strains of Warrant's "Cherry Pie." Right?! I should also disclose that I would totally whore myself out for Martha: anytime, anywhere. Just FYI.

Snackbowl 2011

I'm not a big sports fan but I do like party food, so the upcoming Superbowl is definitely on my radar. If you're already planning for the big game, you'll definitely want to check out the Diamond Snack Bowl 2011, a contest sponsored by three heavy hitters in the world of tailgating: Pop•Secret Popcorn, Emerald Premium Snacks and Nuts and Kettle Chips (my own personal addiction). The trifecta of tailgating is honoring "party excellence" and wants you to share party pictures, videos and memories to prove why you should be inducted into the Ultimate Pro Football Partier Hall of Fame.

One Grand Prize Winner will Win:

• Trip for 2 to the Hall of Fame® in Canton, OH.
• Tickets to the Friday night "Enshrinee Dinner"
• VIP tickets to the Friday night Hall of Famers post dinner reception.
• Tickets to the PFHOF Enshrinement Ceremony on Saturday.
• Tickets to a round table on Sunday with PFHOF Members.
• Tickets to a Tailgate Party on Sunday before the PFHOF Game (provided such game occurs).
• Tickets to the PFHOF Game (provided such game occurs).
• A Plaque (to be designed and provided by MARS Advertising, Inc., Diamond's agent) will be placed at the PFHOF Snack Bar during the Enshrinement Weekend and related events.
• A "VIP Moment" during which a PFHOF Member will present a trophy (to be designed and provided by MARS Advertising, Inc., Diamond's agent) to a winner determined by Diamond of the Promotion during one of the enshrinement events set forth above (to be determined by the PFHOF).
• Plaque hung in the Hall of Fame snack bar
• $5,000 cash USD
• Instant Win Prizes
• Enter daily for a chance to instantly win 1 of 1000 prizes.

You can vote up to three times daily for your favorite entry and play once per day for a chance to instantly win a $50 gift card for the Pro Football Hall of Fame online store. And don't forget to create your own personalized EndZone Weekly Video on Facebook, showing your growth from newborn football fan to tailgating superstar!

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I am being compensated for writing this post and posting a widget on my sidebar but all opinions (and lust for Kettle Chips) are my own.

#FordGreen NAIAS Recap

I had a great time in Detroit, albeit missing the first dinner and introductions due to infernal air travel delays. It truly was a whirlwind adventure– I spent nearly 12 hours in airports for a two day trip, ugh– and I learned so much about the way Ford is rethinking not only automobile design but also global manufacturing and production.

I've never been an American car girl but there are several Fords I would definitely consider, having seen them in action. I am very anxious to see the 7 seat C-Max hit the road, it has some amazing features including a hands-free tailgate. Gimmicky, yes, but admit it- it's smart! Ford is also unveiling an app that will allow electric vehicle owners to schedule their recharging via mobile, even calculating the optimal hours for cheaper power. It also has a double GPS so you can map your way to your vehicle, which sounds silly but would definitely make mall or stadium parking a little less stressful.

I was a bit snap-happy, since there was so much to see, so I made a Whrrl in lieu of posting a hundred photos for you to scroll through.

More check-ins at North American International Auto Show

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Here's the video that was used in the Ford presentation, featuring Ed Begley, Jr. discussing the greening of Ford. And butterflies:





Sadly, our test drives were snowed out so I can't tell you much about the handling of the new Fords. I did like the interiors of the Flex and the F150, which were crazy spacious.

I was invited to participate in this program by Clever Girls Collective, Inc. in partnership with Ford and Ogilvy PR. Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the 2-day Driving Green Technology event, I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions posted here are my own.

Shoe Stalking - Converse Star Power

Everyone's been in a panic over the recent rumblings that planetary alignment shifts might have jostled our current astrological signs but I, for one, have no desire to dump the dozen signs I grew up with to add this Ophiuchus character. After all, I am totally secure in my Scorpio status. What would I do if I suddenly became a Libra?! No way, Jose!

Besides, Converse has introduced the Star Power Chuck Taylor All Star Ox, all gussied up with your astrological sign. They are the cutest sneakers, ever!

I just don't see me in the lavender Libra pair. That little girl is carrying a teapot with hearts on it. There's no way I'm a Libra.

I think I need the Scorpio pair, don't you? They are practically screaming my name with the red background and slightly demonic girl carrying an LP.

Roo's a Pisces and I think the pink/aqua/lemon palette suits her to a T.

You can customize Star Power Chuck Taylor All Star Ox with solids or prints. Not that I could remotely understand why you wouldn't get the prints, though.

Disclosure: I came across these online and thought you should know about them. I was not paid to write about them although if Converse wanted to send me sneakers, I would totally be down with that.

31 Days: Eating Healthier

I wrote a little last week about the  31 Day Challenge I'm participating in. It's been pretty easy to eat lighter and healthier after the overload of heavy Holiday food. We've kept a lot of fresh vegetables in the house and have been eating a lot of salads. I've stocked up on Lean Cuisine frozen meals and Skinny Cow frozen novelties, which I am using primarily for lunches and snack attacks. Here's a recap of my shopping trip to stock up on them:

More check-ins at Walmart Supercenter #1507

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I have been very surprised with how tasty the Lean Cuisine meals are, overall, although I think the real secret behind them is portion control. I could probably eat two meals in one sitting, although that would defeat the purpose! I try to supplement them with a salad or fruit and have gotten used to finishing meals without an overly full feeling. Bob suggested we use the kids' plates for our own meals and see how much weight we'd lose. I suspect he's onto something there!

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I am being compensated for my participation in the 31 Day Challenge but all opinions are my own. 

Tonight! Arctic Ease Twitter Party

Arctic Ease wraps and pads are a convenient way to use cold therapy to treat aches, pains, bumps and bruises. Using cryotherapy technology, Arctic Ease wraps stay cold for hours without refrigeration while wrapping around anywhere they are needed, conforming to any injury. They are reusable and compact so they make a great addition to any athlete or parent's medicine cabinet. They are eco-friendly and non-toxic, plus they don't give you "freezerburn" like bulky ice packs can.

This Thursday, January 13th at 7 PM CST (8PM EST/ 5 PM PST), Carla Birnberg (@MizFitOnline), Ana Picazo (@Bonggamom), Lisa Johnson and Joyce Cherrier will be leading an @ArcticEase #CoolWraps Twitter Chat, talking about fitness, eating healthy and generally restarting your wellness momentum for 2011.

RSVP at MizFitOnline's blog and join in using the #CoolWraps hashtag on Twitter to be eligible for great prizes, including Amazon gift cards and Arctic Ease sample packs and tees. The Grand Prize, a $150 Amazon card + Arctic Ease pack/shirt, will be given out at the end of the party.

Click here for a $2-off Arctic Ease coupon.

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that I received samples of Arctic Ease to review and was asked to write about through my membership in Mom Impact.

Driving Green with Ford at NAIAS

Because I am one of the luckiest girls in the world– and a member of Clever Girls Collective– I am headed to Detroit next week for a whirlwind two day adventure. I'll be one of a hundred green, tech and lifestyle bloggers from all over the world (ten countries in all) participating in an exclusive Ford World Headquarters Tour, including a special Green Driving Technology Event, and media-only preview of the North American International Auto Show. Exciting, no?

I am excited to learn about Ford's sustainability initiatives and, of course, to test drive some of their new models. I am also anxious to hear Stewart Brand, author of counterculture classic The Whole Earth Catalog and, more recently, Whole Earth Discipline), speak about the importance of environmentalism meshing with technology. It's refreshing to hear about companies taking a forward-looking approach as they consider their impact on the planet as well as their bottom line.

Look for the #FordGreen hashtag on Twitter to keep up with our progress next week.

I was invited to participate in this program by Clever Girls Collective, Inc. in partnership with Ford and Ogilvy PR. Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the 2-day Driving Green Technology event, I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions posted here are my own.

Play With My Underwear

Jasper's favorite song of late has been "trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat" with the bonus verse "if you don't, I don't care, I'll pull down your underwear!" Yeah, he's THAT kid. On the bright side, his obsession with underpants has finally led to the sudden decision to potty train. Seriously, he's been anti-underpants, anti-potty for months now but in a single day, he decided he was done with diapers. Weird kid.

Fittingly, we were asked to review a new app for iPhone and iPad, My Underwear. The bold, colorful illustrations might look familiar, since Todd Parr has produced about a zillion great kids' books.

My Underwear is the app equivalent of a giggle. It's bright and silly, relentlessly cheerful and fun, with four different game options. Jasper immediately went to work finger-painting underpants, with no need for me to explain. It's incredibly intuitive and easy for kids to play by themselves. I also like how it sneaks in the learning stuff, like having kids match undies to critters by color or shapes. Jasper is predictably fond of the game that lets you feed monsters with falling underpants, kind of a preschool laundry basket version of Tetris. The matching game is also chock full of adorableness, including robot among the critters, monsters and ubiquitous underwear.

It should be noted that 6 year old Roo loves playing with My Underwear, too. That does not sound right at all, does it?

Disclosure: In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that we received a free download of My Underwear in order to review it. I would pay $2.99 for it in a second, though.