Finally modern technology is being applied to an area where it is needed the most: the bikini. We managed to put a man on the moon, turned corn into a fuel source, and can load an entire musical collection into an object the size of a palm, but a bikini that didn't rely on tan-line-leaving straps wasn't created until now?! For shame, bathing suit industry!

Perfect Tan Bikini looks like regular bikini, but it has a secret inside the top. Adhesive strips all around the cup area allow the straps to be removed and keeps everything supported and covered, preventing a beaches from accidentally turning into a Girls Gone Wild shoot.

Information parents would want to know before sending a daughter out in a Perfect Tan suit:

• The adhesive holds indefinitely when dry and up to a 1/2 hour when went
• With the straps in place, it functions like a regular swimsuit
• The adhesive strips last for 8-10 wearings and replacements are available
• Prices range from $65 for a bikini to $33 for just a top
• The suit can be worn in tanners instead of going topless

Of course, like Victoria's Secret Miracle Bra swimsuits which came out AFTER I was out of college (and might have radically altered my entire higher educational experience), this break through is too late for me. I accept that my bikini days are long gone, but am happy that today's young women are getting the strap-free tanning technology that was so cruelly denied me and my generation.

My friend Mel popped by last week and left behind a bottle of water on my kitchen counter. I'd never seen the brand before, and since I drink a fair bit of bottled water, I was curious and looked at the label. Ethos.

"We began with a simple idea: let's create a bottled water and help children around the world get clean water."

Wow, I thought, that's a seriously innovative idea. I did a little bit of digging: there are currently more than 800 brands of bottled water in North America. 800 brands of exactly the same thing. Some of it, I learned this summer, comes from the very same tap water that flows out of the kitchen sink.(which, yikes!) So, really -- as a purchaser of bottled water, for convenience and simply because I prefer it to juice and pop -- it makes sense to buy water that's doing something positive for the planet. Especially if that's the only differentiating factor.

This article provides some background on Ethos and its mission. The company started as an "indie" water company but has recently been purchased by Starbuck's, adding incredible reach to its label. Here, a 700 ml bottle of Ethos water costs about two dollars at Starbuck's. 5 cents of that will be used to help children around the world get clean water. It doesn't sound like a whole lot, but there is strength in numbers. And given the choice between Aquafina tap water (with all proceeds to Pepsi) and Ethos water (with some proceeds to impoverished children), my preference is definitely the latter.

You can find a list of who Ethos helps here.

The Munchkin Company is marking National Breast Cancer Awareness month by "ducking" the issue in four different ways.

1. Buy a duck: Pink rubber ducks are available for $2.99, proceeds of which will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. In addition to making a creatively colored bath toy, the pink ducks serve as a reminder not to "duck" monthly self-exams.
2. Email a duck: Computer-generated versions of the duck can be personalized with backgrounds and accessories and then emailed to others. A map tracks the duck's path, making it a a fun and educational experience for kids. In addition, for every person that opens the email, Munchkin will donate a nickel to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure making it an easy way to raise money.
3. Bid on a Celebrity Duck: Every week in October there will be Ebay auctions for rubber ducks decorated by various celebrities for sale. Participating celebrities include: Katie Couric, Brooke Shields, Courtney Cox, Matthew McConaughey, Barbara Bush and Melissa Joan Hart.
   
4. Decorate a duck: Anyone purchasing a duck is invited to decorate it and submit a photo to the duck beauty pageant. The first place winner will receive a year of free housecleaning along with a Munchkin gift basket.

They had me at "Susan G. Kormen for the Cure", but the possibility of a year off from housecleaning is an offer I can't refuse. May the best duck win, but PLEASE LET IT BE MINE!

There was a time when I thought spotless showers doors were reserved for the childless or obsessive-compulsive. There was no way I could enforce the mandatory after-shower squeegee-ing that would be required to keep our facilities streak-free after every use (4x's a DAY even with two kids still in the bath phase of life!), so I tried to turn a blind eye to the eyesore in our bathroom between cleaning days.

Then a friend clued me in on her secret weapon for sparkling tiles and doors: Method's Daily Shower Cleaner. This non-toxic, non-flashy, and non-chemical smelling solution (very important for those with a sensitivity to chemicals and allergies in our house) has kept the shower doors, walls, and even the metal fixtures shiny and streak free for months.

My new cleaning routine couldn't be easier: after a shower, I spritz all the wet surfaces with the Daily Shower Cleaner, which is stored on a shelf in the shower, making it as much a part of my morning routine as putting conditioner on my hair. As I towel off and get dressed, the magical earth-friendly ingredients power off all the crud and gunk for me. Done and done! (Going to Starbucks to celebrate your time-saving cleaning skills is an optional, but very enjoyable part of the process.)

Method's Daily Shower Cleaner is available at Target and on the Method website for about $4 a bottle.

The only thing that could make me love Method's Daily Shower Cleaner more was if it worked on toilets.

Laundry day just got lighter for a lot of people! Discount giant Wal-Mart announced by May of 2008, all its U.S. stores and Sam's Clubs will carry only concentrated versions of liquid laundry detergent.

Because Wal-Mart sells approximately 25% of all laundry detergent purchased in the United States, the change means a massive savings of hundreds of millions of gallons of water, and millions of pounds of plastic resin and cardboard used in packaging.

"People expect businesses to step up and work together to help solve the big challenges facing the world," said Lee Scott, president and CEO of Wal-Mart stores . "What we have done is work with suppliers to take water -- one of our most precious natural resources -- out of the liquid laundry detergent on our shelves. We simply don't want our customers to have to choose between a product they can afford and an environmentally friendly product."

It's a refreshing thing to see a giant company making an environmental change on their own. I've been buying concentrated liquid laundry soap because it works the same but takes much less space in my laundry room. (It's also easier to tote to the laundromat when my stupid washing machine dies.

Next Wal-Mart needs to switch over to degradable shopping bags, for some reason their bags seem to accumulate along roadsides more than any other brand.

For the first time in company history, Nair is promoting hair-removal products to middle school girls with the new Nair Pretty line.

The new marketing features cartoon girls emoting in print ads found in Cosmogirl and Seventeen magazine, "I am a citizen of the world. I am a dreamer. I am fresh. I am so not going to have stubs sticking out of my legs."

The Nair website is purple prettiness that promotes the kiwi and peach scented products with comforting words:

So you're at an age when the childhood fuzz is becoming thicker and coarser hair. It's time to give some serious thought to removing it. If you've never dealt with hair removal before, it's natural to feel a little bit nervous. But you'll soon see, getting smooth, silky skin with Nair® depilatories is simple – and a fun way to treat yourself right!

Talk to your older sister or your mom and they'll admit that shaving for the first time can be scary. Shaving cuts the ends of your hair. When those cut edges emerge, you can feel a rough stubble as you run your hands over your skin. Add to that nicks or cuts and razor bumps and it's not a pretty picture.

Ten seems really young for a girl to be busting out the Nair to me, but I don't have girls. When I was a kid, twelve was the magic age we were allowed to shave the gorilla fuzz off our legs. What's the current age of first-time-leg-shaving and would you let your daughter go the Nair route?

A good friend of mine is a semi-pro mountain biker, and lover of all things on two wheels. He swears that a Like A Bike is the best way for a child to learn how to ride a two wheel bike without training wheels. The reason? The Like A Bike has no pedals.

It took me a minute to be able to picture how the Like A Bike works--and to wrap my head around his logic. Then I totally got it: without pedals a small child can master the art of forward motion and balance.

Without the complication of pedals and back breaks which disrupt the ability to focus on balancing, the Like A Bike teaches kids bike riding basics without the frustration that often comes with transitioning from a two-wheeler with training wheels, to one without. Also, because a Like A Bike far lighter than a similarly sized bike (the original model is made of wood), kids as young as two years of age can learn to 'ride' it, without the drama of being crushed by or tangled in the frame and pedals in a fall.

My son has ridden a two-wheeler with training wheels since he was just two--and now he truly tears around on the thing--steering with dare-devil precision and speed. But we're thinking of getting him a Like A Bike for the winter--to navigate the wide open expanse of our living room floor (or, better yet, the YMCA gym!) before transitioning to a two wheeler next spring.

Does anyone have any experience with a Like A Bike? And also, how--and when--did you teach your child to ride a two-wheeler?

What the official description of the Fuzion Asphalt scooter says: Features Quadcarver technology for unmatched ease of use, stability and stick to the pavement handling. The Fuzion is engineered for value, delivering fantastic performance for retailer and customer alike. This model is equipped with over sized wheels, precision bearings, high tech steel frame design, and a wide concave deck. All this plus the Quadcarver Technology let the Fuzion corner like it is on rails."
I'm no quadcarver technological expert, but even I can recognize an awesome scooter when I'm flying down the driveway on one!

Unlike the Razr scooter, the Fuzion has a platform big enough for adult feet that tilts side-to-side, making tight turns easy peasy. The Fuzion also feels more stable because it balances on four wheels instead of two. (Concerned mom note: This doesn't mean there isn't a need to wear a helmet, always protect the noggin!)

My husband found an online deal on Fuzions a while ago and ordered a couple for birthday presents for the boys. The have been a huge hit among the elementary kids, who are happy to just go up and down the sidewalk, as well as with the high school crowd. While I'm not a fan of the ads, ('Kick some ashphalt"?!) it is a great product.

Being a Disney character at one of the parks has got to be a really tough job. Not only are the costumes heavy and hot, there's the small matter of the hundreds of children you have to deal with every single day.

Kids who hot. Kids who are heavy. And while most kids are sweet and adorable and funny, a lot are complete monsters and even worse on vacation when over-tired and extra sugared up.

The video doesn't show what started the altercation between Mickey's favorite dog, Pluto, and the speedy little kid on Disney's spotless street, but it's looks like that was one magical vacation no one involved will ever forget!

Knowing how crazy beautiful shoes can make women, Harrod's didn't mess around when it came to hiring security for the $120,000 pair of ruby- sapphire- and diamond-encrusted Rene Caovilla sandals display.

There was only one thing that could keep footwear that incredibly lovely secure- a poisonous snake with an attitude. And that is how an Egyptian cobra named Cedric found himself a part of the Harrod's security team.

Reptiles as security/display is a genius idea to guard valuables and to keep kids and bored men entertained during shopping expeditions, but probably won't be happening in a mall near you. Even with the prestige of having Harrod's on his resume wasn't enough to make the Cedric stay on long-term, it was just a one-day gig. (Maybe they just offered COBRA coverage?)

"Is that Grandpa?"

"No, honey, Grandpa doesn't have a monkey."

If that exchange is familiar to you, then you must have a child who loves Curious George. Or you might know about Littlefoot, Cera, Petrie, Ducky and Spike--all characters from The Land Before Time. Both series are produced by Universal Studios Family Productions.

I've written before about my youngest son Bennett's love of Curious George, and I'm always interested in learning more about things my kids love. Daddy Daze has an interview up with Ellen Cockrill, Senior Vice President of Animation for Universal. In it, she talks about what it's like to write the two different story lines, about the challenges of creating educational entertainment for kids, and she provides links to several websites about the shows.

Thanks to Dave for the tip!

This was just too funny to pass up. Many of you may be familiar with the antics of the folks over at Dadsmacker, a site devoted to pointing out just how uncool all us again hipster parents are even though we think quite the opposite. The site also draws attention to hoity-toity (how do you even spell that???), meaning over-priced clothing and accessories for children.

Now they've drawn attention to merit badges for moms. No joke, someone dreamed up this little ditty and before you know it these badges are going to be selling like hotcakes. I went to the site myself to see what the fanfare was all about.

Mama Merit Badges offers badges for everything a mom does, sort of like when you were in Brownies and they gave you a patch for learning how to do basic things a gal should know how to do (how antiquated!). My favorite, and clearly the one that caught the attention of our brothers in blogging Dadsmacker, is the one for breastfeeding. It's a badge of a rather perky looking boob.

That perky boob looks a little suspect to me since I'm breastfeeding, and, uhm, my boobs do NOT look like those boobs. Perhaps the badge implies that after you're finished with breastfeeding you WILL get back your perky boobs? If so, those people should be sued.

Other badges include one for changing diapers and one for handling tantrums. You can go all the way and buy them all for $45 or singly for $5 each. Now come on, who doesn't have $5 to fork over for a good mom?

I didn't see one for putting up with your spouse's crappy parenting style or one for pumping at work, which is harder and more of a pain in the butt than giving birth. I also didn't see one for being nice without having slept for three months straight or one for doing everything with one hand. Or for going all day without using the restroom because your baby won't let you put him down. Or one for giving up the dream of ever looking as hot as you did before you got knocked up.

But, I digress.

I guess the badges offered at this site, barring the breastfeeding one, could be given to dads too. Personally, though, I'd rather you spent that fiver on a Starbucks iced chai latte than a badge. Although the one with the booby on it is pretty cute.

Thanks to the rad daddies at Dadsmacker for directing my attention to the booby badge.

The Costco nearest to our home is the smallest and oldest I've ever seen: a musty warehouse teeming with hurried people, giant shopping carts, and the wafting smell of hotdogs.

I went there specifically with a checklist, because everyone knows that if you do not enter Costco with a checklist, you will emerge hundreds of dollars poorer and with enough cheese to last you till 2011. On my list:
1.) Socks for Nolan (the dryer eats at least two pair a day and the others go to the same place my dishtowels disappear to: the Laundry Triangle)
2.) Frozen lasagne for my Dads birthday dinner
3.) Juice boxes and snacks for the glove compartment.
4) A duvet cover, if they had one.

But what is it about that place? About halfway through the excursion, my list had crawled into the deep recesses of my purse and shiny things were beckoning everywhere. Ooh, that ham sample was delicious. And I was out of dish detergent, wasn't I? How about buying a tub that will last me until I am 68? There are also the mango slices, the alarmingly big hunk of cheese and the appealing kids toys. There's the sausage curled in two alluringly inexpensive coils, the books, the cheap, cheap books. I went in with a budget of about $ 70.00 and left with my wallet deflated more than $ 200.0. But I had new books, Nolan had new toys, and we have enough snacks to keep us in a bunker for two decades should there ever be a nuclear war.

As I left the Costco, Nolan gorged on sample products, I feeling vaguely nauseous myself, I wondered if Costco was really ever cost-efficient for a family of less than six. Everywhere I saw buggies piled high with 24 peaches, gallons of milk, and oceans of toilet paper and I wonder how long it really takes to use all that stuff. I'm sure in large families and for small business, Costco can really save a lot of money. But unless I can convince myself that I'll be able to stick to my list (unlikely), I'm going to try to wean myself off the place. Cheap socks aren't worth the expense of the 24 sausage rolls now sitting in my fridge.

The latest items in a recent list of banned Chinese merchandise are children's pajamas. New Zealand is investigating shipments of Chinese produced pajamas on the grounds that the garments contain dangerous levels of formaldehyde. The chemical is sometimes used to prevent mold from setting in to clothing while it is shipped overseas.

A watchdog group of scientists, hired by the New Zealand government, discovered the pajamas contained more than 900 times the safe levels of formaldehyde.

Chinese clothing has not before come under fire regarding safety. Some Chinese officials are claiming that the Western countries are purposely condemning Chinese products without proper evidence to do so. Textiles are a very important aspect of Chinese exports, much more so than toys, so it is expected that Chinese officials will take notice of this error and try to remedy future shipments of clothing.

Guard your daughters! Just in time for back-to-school shopping, Paris Hilton's clothing line has been unveiled at the popular celebrity boutique Kitson.

For reasons that completely escape me, large enough crowds gathered for the line's debut and appearance by Hilton to force police to close a lane of traffic and require backup.

Hilton describes the collection as "really comfortable" and "really affordable" but the average person is likely to find it an expensive and trampy version that's a bit Hello, Kittyesque. Tight jeans, colorful satin tops, and T-shirts make up the bulk of the pieces, with more to be released next month.

For $88 people can purchase the twisted seam skinny jeans Paris wore home from jail (and appear to be cutting off the circulation on the size 0 model wearing them on the website). Remember when Paris' hair was styled in the shape of Minnie Mouse's bow in the back? The pink halter with black bow tie accent recreates that look on the wearers breasts for $68. The cheapest items are T-shirts for $34, some which bear Hilton's lips or face, because we're really not seeing her face enough lately in the media.