I woke up on Mother’s Day with a great surprise (aside from beautiful homemade cards from my girls) - an interview I had given for the Miami Herald ran in the Living section for Mother’s Day (along with a picture of me and my daughters)! The article, titled “Tech tools helping moms stay sane, in sync” focuses on the digital revolution, and how moms everywhere are taking advantage of smart phones and social networking for not only support from peers, but for marketing purposes as well.

While I do use my iPhone for everything from my calendar to grocery lists to Twitter on the go, I’m still a paper purist. I keep a running to-do list in a notebook that never leaves my side. I also am very aware of my phone use around my kids, and I make sure they know that the phone goes away when it’s play time with them, or when we’re out at an activity. While I have fully embraced technology and all it’s conveniences, I read more and more about how moms can take it a little too far. They find themselves sleeping less because they can’t tear away from the computer, or becoming preoccupied with their kids via texting or checking email. I’m the first to admit I’ve been there! But, I’m also not going to let my phone dictate my day.

So, while all of these gadgets can make life easier, don’t forget to literally unplug and take some time for yourself and your kids! I’d love to hear from you - do you have a personal set of rules and regulations when it comes to your computer or phone? Do your kids know how to use the computer or phone better than you? Leave a comment, or find me on Twitter @teensygreen, of course!

I really, really try not to pay attention to commercials. I also rarely watch TV while my kids are around - ok, they love the Food Network, but you know what I mean. That’s why I had to stop, look, and listen for a moment this week when a different kind of commercial caught my attention.

This AT&T ad featuring TOMS Shoes snuck in during the spare minutes the TV was on a “Mommy channel”. And, for some reason, my daughters were mesmerized. Maybe it was the adorable children putting on adorable TOMS Shoes. Or the founder of TOMS, Blake Mycoskie, who is, shall we say, fairly easy on the eyes. My daughters began to ask me questions about why these children don’t have shoes, where do they live, and on and on. It was eye-opening for them, and an opportunity for me to discuss topics of poverty and kids, geographical issues, and the importance of protecting your feet!

TOMS Shoes are made from canvas and burlap, and some shoes are made with hemp, recycled plastic, and are completely vegan. More than anything, TOMS “One For One” program is a genuine, exceptional way to help children in need when you buy their shoes. One For One does what it says - for each pair of Tom’s Shoes you buy, they’ll donate one pair to kids around the world.

The website explains that “TOMS has given over 140,000* pairs of shoes to children in need through the One for One model. Because of your support, TOMS plans to give over 300,000 pairs of shoes to children in need around the world in 2009.” This is incredible on any level. We can plant a billion trees, recycle a million bottles of water, but to help 300,000 pairs of little feet - just amazing.

So, I encourage you to buy a pair of TOMS shoes. I’m debating between a flirty summery pair, or plain white that my kids can decorate themselves. Either way, somewhere in the world a child will be celebrating their new pair of shoes as well.

You can follow TOMS Shoes on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, or simply sign up for updates on their website.

This week, I received an automated phone call from our Board of Education Director about swine flu, how to try and prevent it, and what will happen if it appears in any local schools. Since I’ve been reading and reading (and reading) about this illness for days, and since the flu comes around each winter anyway, I’m well aware of the facts. What struck me in the message more than anything was the recommendation, beyond handwashing, to use an alcohol based hand sanitizer when necessary.

For me, this shows how misinformed many people are about alcohol based hand sanitizers and children. Indeed, recommendations all over the web are for This swine flu “crib sheet” from the Huffington Post mentions using a sanitizer that’s at least 60 percent alcohol. Even this Parents Magazine article about the stomach flu talks about using “alcohol hand gel”.

Parents, teachers, anyone who is with kids - please think about this. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers is scary stuff when in the hands of kids. It can make kids seriously ill if ingested. A main ingredient in these sanitizers, Triclosan, is even considered a pesticide by the EPA. Do you want your kids putting this stuff on their HANDS? And check out this lawsuit regarding Triclosan and cancer - you may be shocked to see how many soaps and other products contain this potentially dangerous ingredient.

I am in no way trying to cause a panic related to this very serious issue. I do want you to know that there are natural alternatives available. Cleanwell is a wonderful, all natural line of hand soaps and hand sanitizers that is completely safe for your family. The “Ingenium” formula kills almost 100% of germs naturally, using the antiseptic herb thyme and other pesticide-free essential plant oils. They’re also alcohol free, and come in a great variety of sizes - even a travel pack that’s airplane ready. Cleanwell is available at Target, Whole Foods, Bath and Body Works, and Amazon.com. They also have a blog, A Better Way To Clean, to help answer all of your questions regarding swine flu and hand washing. They even answer the questions, so please don’t hesitate to speak your mind!