This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Electrolux.

All the snow that has fallen this winter has made me crave something a bit more colorful. I know the white snow is beautiful but I need some bright, bold colors. So I decided to bake a cake. Not just any cake… a rainbow cake.

One of my friend’s teased me the first time I made my rainbow cake. She asked, “Why did you make one?” No reason. In fact, I find that no reason at all is the best reason to make a rainbow cake. It brings its own reasons packaged in its colorful layers. It brings smiles. It brings laughter. It brings togetherness while baking it. And it brings some color. Quite honestly, our family could use a little laughter and color during this bleak winter. The boys were excited to help yet again.

First we mixed up the two boxes of cake batter as per their instructions, licking the beaters as an additional “must do.”

Then we separated the batter into six different bowls. We colored each with icing color (not food coloring, read why here) and poured them into six different round cake pans. I have to buy foil cake pans because my family hasn’t caught on that I am on this baking spree and no one has bought me six different round cake pans. You’d think they’d catch on!

Then it bakes. While it bakes, we sing and dance in the kitchen our fancy new floor. After it bakes, it has to cool. In fact, I let it cool overnight. When I don’t, it falls apart and I cry. There should be no crying in baking, so I waited this time around. Then I slathered icing between the layers, pre-made, thankyouverymuch, and stuck them together.

Then I frosted the top, convinced my children to eat their vegetables and we had a Color Makes Me Happy Party.

I tell you all of this because BlogHer wants me to tell you about how Kelly Ripa has paired up with Electrolux to support the fight against ovarian cancer. Entitled “Cakery for a Cause,” they’re holding a virtual cake-bake off to help support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). All you do is visit the site, decorate a cake and e-mail it to a friend. For every cake sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF. And, it gets better: to help spread the word, everyone who sends a virtual cake will be automatically entered for a chance to win every baker’s dream: a stylish new Induction Range from Electrolux. (It’s swanky.) (Speaking of swanky, in case you want to use your tax refund to get swanky, Electrolux is also donating $100 to OCRF for every induction range sold this month. So, you know, you can buy me one, okay?)

In short, even if you aren’t scouring the market for a fancy new way to bake your cakes, you can simply visit Kelly Confidential, whip up a virtual cake (or twelve) and send them to your friends and family. It’s that simple to help the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Then, if each of the people you send a cake to takes the time to send it to one or two people, think of how your few minutes will continue to benefit others. It’s that easy. And I like things to be easy… like how easy it was to eat this cake. Mmm.

Please visit BlogHer.com special offers page for more information on the Cakery for a Cause.

For the past few months, I’ve been participating in BlogHer’s Family Connections citizen journalism project as a Momspotter. Basically that means I tweet a few times a day with the #momspotting hashtag about how I use technology in my day-to-day parenting life. I’m sure you’ve seen me talk about everything from battery hogging handheld devices to the big search for our family desktop and that one time I was tweeting about Bejeweled Blitz in the preschool pickup line. (I love Bejeweled Blitz.) And so! Now I’m going to tell you a few things about me. Because this is my blog.

If you like the meme, feel free to do one yourself and leave a link in the comments or tweet it with the #momspotting hashtag. Or don’t do it. No pressure, I promise.

1.       Which expensive electronic device do you most often let your older children abuse or your baby drool on?

Our family desktop. Now, to be fair, it was purchased (just recently) with the knowledge that it would be used by the kids. But sometimes I do cringe when I walk in the room and they’re actively touching the computer screen with their grubby little fingers. What? They’re my kids. I can call their fingers grubby if I want to! I researched pretty darn hard and well (we went with HP… again) and feel kind of secure that they won’t totally trash it to smithereens. We do have rules. Of course, we also have a rule that they should use their inside voices. That works well. Not.

But he looks cute, doesn’t he?

Also? I now have the smallest computer screen (on my laptop) in the whole family.

2.       How many take-out restaurant numbers do you have programmed into your phone?

Two. Both are local pizza joints. Why only pizza? That’s the only take-out in our area. Welcome to Small Town, Ohio. Do I get bonus points for also having the library programmed in? I do? Sweet.

3.       How many hours of television do you so totally not let your kids watch a week?

I really hate this question. I don’t really know a daily, in-and-out total. I pay attention to what they watch. I make sure we’re doing other things. I observe their cues and schedule No-TV Days when they are needed. But do they watch more than the recommended none for LittleBrother’s age and two hours for BigBrother’s age? Yes and mostly. Don’t judge me. The Bible says not to. (Name the comedian.)

4.       Do you think people who say “we don’t watch television” at playdates but really mean “we just watch DVDs” are lying liars from Liarville?

Maybe. We do prefer DVD’s to television simply because of my background in working for television news. Commercials are evil. They are. You can argue it with me but the truth is that they are made with your/my child in mind and they do, in fact, want our kids to say, “Oh-em-gee, Mommy! I haftahavethatRIGHTNOW!” That said, DVD’s do count in screen time so those who think they’re not letting their kids watch “television” by going that route are slightly delusional. Or Lying McLiarpants from McLiarville.

5.       How many miles have you driven with your child and not one device of electronic entertainment in a single car trip?

Seven. It should have been six but have you ever driven two small children, by yourself? A bathroom break takes eons. Also, if the radio counts, then I’m out. And? I won’t be doing that again. That was silly.

6.       What’s your record for calls to the pediatrician or Ask-a-Nurse in a single day?

Three. To be fair, the first and second were because I accidentally hung up on the nurse when I hit a button with my chin. The third was to inform her that, yes, he did puke again. All over me. And that we would be coming in. With my laundry.

7.       What’s the sexiest thing your husband/partner could text you after a hard day?

Your wine is waiting. Or, your wine is waiting and the kids are asleep. Or, your wine is waiting and the kids are asleep and I bought us a hot tub and installed it while you were out and, you know, you look really sexy in that bathing suit of yours; I’ll be waiting. That said, the last option doesn’t fit in a text message so I can safely say that’s never going to happen.

8.       What’s your favorite iPad joke?

The iPad is not a joke. It is beautiful. Gorgeous. And luxurious. But, no, advertising, even in the form of press releases, has no affect on us, does it?

9.       What’s the dumbest parenting tool, gear, gadget or device you ever bought?

A potty with a foam seat ring. You know what happens with a foam seat ring? IT SOAKS UP THE URINE. Do you know what that smells like after a week or two? Also, add in the stroller that came with the “travel system” that we purchased for our first son (BigBrother). Not only was it too big and poorly made but we almost never used the thing.

10.   How many years will it take for your child to become more tech-savvy than you?

Have you met BigBrother? He’s working on it. It may be his life goal. Or, wait. His life goal right now is to be a Space Ranger. If he accomplishes that, I would say he’s more tech-savvy than me/us by far. That said, I’m pretty on top of things. I don’t want to think about having to ask them to fix my computer/TV/hover-craft. I’m the Mommy, dang it.

I encourage my readers not only to follow the #momspotting hashtag and join in the conversation but to visit the Family Connections forum. We’ve been having great conversations on everything from Facebook to how we can possibly have time to blog/tweet/etc if we’re actively parenting to making our marriages better… online. I have really enjoyed the give and take of information, ideas and laughter. You should join in. (Also, if you’re touched by adoption, stop in the adoption forum where I’ve been spear-heading some discussion.)

I’m working on this project through the end of March. If you have anything you’d like me to broach either on twitter or the Family Connections forum regarding technology and parenting, drop me a comment, email or tweet.

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and V8.

As many of my readers know, my older son (BigBrother) has texture issues. These issues extend from things that he has to touch all the way to things he has to eat or drink. The latter problem has created some very difficult challenges in making sure he gets enough fruits and vegetables. I would like to state that in the last year he has started eating cooked carrots, cooked broccoli, one slice of apple per day and drinking juice. You would think that the juice thing wouldn’t be a big issue as it doesn’t seem to have texture. You’d be wrong. It does. Just ask BigBrother.

We went through a whole bunch of 100% juice options. It was time-consuming and frustrating. On our second flavor of V8 V-Fusion, however, we hit a winner. In fact, he drank more than a sip. He drank the whole glass. And asked for more. I’m serious. I almost fell down in my kitchen. Since that time, he’s decided that he likes the strawberry banana flavor, peach mango and one flavor of another brand of juice. (Only, ever, but still. It’s an improvement.)

I tell you this to set up this review! BlogHer contacted us recently to ask if we’d like to review some V8 V-Fusion. Knowing that we already like some of it, I said that we wouldn’t mind at all! We received the new Cranberry Blackberry flavor in the big bottle and slim cans of Strawberry Banana (!) and Pomegranate Blueberry each.

The juices arrived right before lunch time. I asked BigBrother if he wanted to try a new juice. I made a big deal about it. I said it was purple! And yummy! And way fun! And that I’d have a glass, too! With his texture issues, we have to make a big deal about things.

Apparently I made a big enough deal because he agreed to try a glass. Agreeing to try a glass and drinking it are two different stories so I held my breath as he took a sip.

“I like it!”

Win! Not only did he drink a glass with lunch that day, he’s been asking for it at lunch time almost every day. I’m okay with that as it is 100% juice with no added sugar. (On top of having texture issues, I prefer the kids to have healthy options. I’m sure he’d eat junk all day every day if I let him but that’s not what I’m going for here!) Since I know that he’s not getting the recommended daily servings of vegetables or fruit, I’m pleased that an 8-oz glass of V8 V-Fusion provides a full serving of both vegetables and fruit. I’d really, really like if he would eat cucumbers and carrots and apples and
strawberries and anything else that holds still like his younger brother but I’ll go about it in whatever way works right now.

I asked BigBrother what he thought about V8 V-Fusion and he gave me the following blurbs. We even get to hear a word from LittleBrother!

(As an aside, I don’t know why he sounds like a news anchor other than he is, in fact, my Mini-Me.)

I drank the Pomegranate Blueberry myself. It was delicious. I actually think BigBrother would have liked that flavor as well but I didn’t really give him a chance with that one. I didn’t feel bad about it either.

I’m pleased that we have yet another juice that my older son can benefit from drinking. It’s hard when the choices are limited and then it sells out in a store. And now I’d like to give our readers a chance at winning a $100 Visa gift card. Maybe you won’t buy V8 V-Fusion or other fruits and vegetables but even if you don’t, I have a feeling that $100 could help you get some stuff that you need or want this year!

To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me what’s your, or your kids, favorite variety of V8 V-Fusion. If you haven’t tried it yet, which one are you are most excited to try? The contest will begin at January 12, 2010 and will end February 9, 2010. Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.

Rules:

* No duplicate comments.
* You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
* You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
* This giveaway is open to US-Residents aged 18 and older
* Winners will be selected via random draw (random.org), and will notified by e-mail.
* You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
* Please see the official rules here: Official rules.

Please visit the official page over at BlogHer to learn about your eight chances at winning a $100 Visa gift card. Furthermore, you can learn more about V8 V-Fusion and get a $1 off coupon!

I’ve become hip for at least six or seven months. You know, until Apple releases yet another iPhone and mine becomes obsolete. But, for now, it’s true. I’m hip! I’m “in”! I know what’s going on! All thanks to my iPhone! (And the apps that are supposed to tell me what’s going on…)

See?

Here’s how all of this came about: I’ve been stalking my upgrade date for an iPhone via my AT&T web account for… months. Originally, I couldn’t upgrade until November of this year. When they released the iPhone 3Gs, AT&T bumped my upgrade date to August 10, 2009. (Also known as yesterday.) Now, we’re leaving for vacation in four days. I figured that I wouldn’t be able to purchase my iPhone until sometime in October as we have a lot of things going on including a radiator repair on our main vehicle. I figured that one month early would be just fine.

And then I won a $250 Visa gift card from All Thumbs Reviews courtesy of BlogHer and Capri-Sun. Not only was I excited but when I did the math, that gift card put us back above where we needed to be with respect to the car maintenance, leaving me free to do what I wanted with said gift card. When the gift card arrived on Saturday, the last possible mail date before the 10:00am open of my AT&T store on the morning of my upgrade date, I took it as a sign and ran with it.

My experience at the AT&T store was fabulous. True, I know the manager but, as a manager, he can’t make the sale. My salesman was wonderful, considerate of my time frame as I had two little boys who were giggly and ready to head to the library and, generally helpful with the sale. Soon enough, I walked out the door with my new iPhone 3Gs. Since then, I’ve fallen in love. Or, you know, as “in love” as you can be with an inanimate object.

I’ve downloaded various apps. (Twitterfon, Facebook, AIM, Klick (for flickr), Wordpress and… on and on.) I’ve figured out how to program the weather for our city as well as for my parents town, Pittsburgh (my love), and Emerald Isle, NC (FOUR DAYS!). I’ve added various email accounts. I’ve added pictures from my computer so that pictures from my fancy dSLR show up when people call me. I’m not loving the camera (did I mention I own a dSLR) but I will survive. Really I feel that camera phones are made to capture funny license plates, misspelled signs and embarrassing moments out and about. I’ve upgraded to the 3.0.1 firmware so no one can turn my phone off with a wayward text message.

Did I mention that I’m in love?

(Did I also mention that it was ridiculously hot and humid today, making my hair insanely curly?)

And so, here I am. Four days from vacation with a brand new fancy phone that, in all reality, cost me absolutely nothing. I’m feeling pretty good right about now. The best part of the day, however, was the discussion I had with BigBrother on the way to the “phone store,” as I explained where we were going and what we were doing.

Me: We’re going to the phone store because I need to buy a new phone.

BigBrother: Is your phone broken?

Me: No. It’s just time for a new phone.

BigBrother: Is it an iPhone?

Me: How do you know about the iPhone?

BigBrother: *cue giggles*

And so the two Brothers ran around the house all day yesterday with their cardboard replicas of the iPhone, saying, “iPhone! iPhone! My phone! iPhone!” Interspersing that with, “FIVE DAYS!” But today, of course, it’s FOUR DAYS! FOUR DAYS until our glorious beach vacation.

Be prepared for lots of twitpics from my iPhone. Maybe even a whrrl story of our trip!