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Recently, there’s been a lot of debate over whether or not the Smart Choices program–a labeling system that seeks to indicate to consumers that a food is healthful–is actually helpful for families looking to eat a more nutritious diet. With the Smart Choices label being slapped on sugary cereals like Froot Loops and Cocoa Puffs, many health officials saw Smart Choices as deliberately misleading, and as of last week, it was announced that the program would be phased out.

How to make seriously smart choices when it comes to feeding your family? Consider these three simple rules from The ABCs of Natural, which encourage consumers to avoid the following:

• Artificial flavor, color, or preservatives. A University of Southampton study linked consumption of artificial flavor and color to hyperactivity in children.
• Bromates. Chemical compounds used in flours as dough conditioners to achieve pleasing texture and appearance. Exposure in high amounts can be toxic to humans and animals.
• Corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is used as a sweetener and in particular has been suspected as a cause of obesity. When manufactured by a chemical process this sweetener is not natural.

Want to learn more? Check out ahealthywayoflife.com, where you can download a copy of the book for free.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

We recently read that indoor air quality can be anywhere from 2 to 100 times worse than it’s outdoor counterpart. This puts kids—who because of cooler weather and shorter days are probably spending more time inside than they’d like—at increased risk for cold, flu, and indoor allergies. No fun! Here are our favorite ways for keeping the air in your house as fresh as possible during the winter:

1. Make friends with houseplants. They take in carbon dioxide and let out oxygen, and some varieties (like spider plants, English ivy, and bamboo palms) can even remove toxins from the air.
2. Keep it clean. Get rid of the dirt and dust particles that build up on the surfaces of, well, everything by vacuuming and cleaning on a regular basis.
3. Take off your shoes. If you don’t already have a designated area near the front door where your kids can put their shoes, make one. It will prevent dirt from being tracked in the house (and result in less time needed to clean).
4. Use an air purifier. They come in a range of prices, and are super effective at capturing icky particles. Try the Honeywell Pure HEPA Round Air Purifier, which manages to get the job done while being relatively inexpensive.
5. Groom your pets. Keep fur and dander at bay by brushing your dog or cat’s fur and bathing dogs frequently.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

One thing I love about November is the urge to cozy up. And while most people probably equate coziness with sitting by the fireplace while staying wrapped in a thick blanket, I’m here to tell you that you can feel cozy outside, too. All you need is the perfect scarf! Here are some we guarantee you and your family will never want to take off:

• Best Baby Organic’s Hat-Scarf ($24.50) is a two-for-one deal, since it doubles as a hat. What’s more, it’s made from 100% natural wool by Ecuadorian artisans.
• Your kid can show her love for planet-friendly fashion and stay warm at the same time with the Cagoule Fleece Heart Scarf ($12.99). It’s made from 85% post-consumer recycled soda bottles, and colored with lead-free dye!
• Moms and teen girls will love the Scarf of Many Sweaters by 1000 Markets ($50). It’s upcycled from—you guessed it—old sweaters, and is long enough for plenty of cozy wrapping.
• Keep the guys in your life cool (fashion-, not temp-wise!) and comfy in the Bamboo Rib Narrows Scarf by Isotoner ($30). Best of all? It’s made from 70% renewable materials.

Calling all 4th, 5th, and 6th graders! The Disney Planet Challenge is inviting classrooms and student environmental groups to learn more about science, conservation, and teamwork by creating an eco-conscious project portfolio. Register by December 18th at http://disney.go.com/PlanetChallenge, and submit your team’s portfolio by February 26th, 2010—then, the project will be evaluated according to it’s environmental relevance, community involvement, originality, and sustainability. Looking for some inspiration? The Disney Planet Challenge website features plenty of free eco-centric lesson plans and resources, plus examples of past portfolios.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Pampers disposables give babies a better night’s sleep than cloth diapers? We’re not sure we believe it, and neither is The Cloth Diaper Blog.
• Green & Clean Mom has the tools to help your family get through cold and flu season—naturally.
• The Soft Landing Blog explains whether or not it’s safe to wash plastics in the dishwasher.
• Ever wonder what it’s like to homeschool? Renaissance Mama answers your questions.
• This Mama Makes Stuff gives us some crafty inspiration in the form of a homemade infant wrap dress.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

When it comes to TV, how much is too much for your kid? According to a Nielsen study released earlier this week, children ages 2-5 watch more than 32 hours of TV per week. Older children ages 6-11 watch more than 28 hours per week—but that’s because they spend more time in school. That’s a lot of time! Instead of watching the tube, consider some of these cold-weather activities to do with your kid:

• Make a recycled craft. We’ve got plenty of easy ones to choose from, like a picture frame, dog collar, or potholder.
• Get moving. Set up a circuit of activity stations throughout your house, and have your kid spend a few minutes at each one before moving on to the next. Some ideas? How about juggling with bean bags or scarves, crabwalking, or sit-ups with a medicine ball?
• Check out the library. Does your kid wonder how airplanes fly? Or why leopards have so many spots? Make a list of questions about which your kid is wondering, then find the answers in library books.
• Take a local tour. Do your neighborhood firefighters like to show kids around the firehouse? Maybe the baker down the street likes to demonstrate how bagels are made? Find out if any local tours or demonstrations go on around where you live—and if they don’t, there’s no harm in asking!
• Make a new recipe. If there’s some food your kid has yet to try (and we’re betting there is!), pick a recipe together and make it. It could incorporate an ingredient as simple as raisins, or a bigger deal, like Brussels sprouts. After trying the recipe, discuss with your child the things you did and didn’t like.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Our friends, the Meal Makeover Moms, are currently holding a healthy eating prize pack giveaway featuring a one-year subscription to KIWI Magazine, two BPA-free plastic plates, two board books to get kids excited about eating their fruits and veggies, an eco-friendly tea set, and all-natural dish soap. Want to enter? It’s easy! Visit this post at the Meal Makeover Moms’ blog, and leave a comment describing a green lifestyle change your family has recently made. Good luck!

Even though World Vegetarian Awareness Month is nearly over, there’s still time for your family to squeeze in a few meatless meals. Since studies have shown that vegetarian and vegan diets have a much lower carbon footprint than their omnivorous counterparts, going meat-free—whether every day or just once in a while—can have a positive impact on the planet. Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly vegetarian recipes:

• Start the day off right with a fruit and yogurt shake bursting with blueberries and banana.
• Need an on-the-go lunch that will keep your kid’s tummy satisfied for hours? Try tofu and cheese quesadillas.
• Almond butter clusters are the perfect balance of sweet and salty—and are perfect for on-the-go.
• Quinoa corn chowder is a warming soup that’s perfect for a fall supper. Bonus: Quinoa is a complete protein!

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Pink and Blue Avenue shares easy, DIY baby food recipes like apple cabbage or green beans, collards, and rice.
• Halloween is just around the corner, and The Full Mommy has trick-or-treating safety tips.
• Flu season in full swing, but A Mama’s Blog wonders about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine.
• Is your kid a daredevil? You’re not alone, says TeachingMommy.
• SafeMama shares her pick for (adorable) PVC-free rain gear for kids.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

If your family is one of eco-conscious fish eaters, you’re probably already familiar with the red, yellow, and green color codes indicating the sustainability of different seafood choices. Now, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has created a list of seafood dubbed super green—consisting of fish that’s not only the most sustainable, but also the most beneficial to your health.

At the top of the list? Albacore tuna, farmed mussels, farmed oysters, wild-caught Pacific sardines, wild-caught pink shrimp from Oregon, farmed rainbow trout, wild-caught salmon from Alaska, and wild-caught spot prawns from British Columbia—all high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and low in contaminants like mercury and PCBs.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

We recently talked to the Department of Homeland Security, and heard some really useful things about how families can be prepared if something scary should happen. For the next few days, we’ll be sharing the important information that parents need to know.

We’ve already discussed how families can be prepared by putting together an emergency kit and creating a family emergency plan. The final step? Be informed. By learning about the types of emergencies that could happen in your community, your family will better be able to prepare for one if it occurs. Additionally, you can find out what plans already exist at your place of work and your child’s school or daycare (and if there isn’t a plan, you can help put one into place!)

Other things you can do? Learn basic first aid or CPR skills (find classes at your local Red Cross)—and if your kid is old enough, have her learn, too. Another option to consider is to subscribe to local text message alert services, which can quickly and easily inform you of an emergency situation.

Want to find if your family is ready for an emergency? Check out whatsyourrq.org.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

We recently talked to the Department of Homeland Security, and heard some really useful things about how families can be prepared if something scary should happen. For the next few days, we’ll be sharing the important information that parents need to know.

After you’ve put together an emergency kit, the next step is to create a plan. In the event of an emergency, the most important thing is for family members to be able to contact each other and meet in a safe place. First, consider designating an out-of-town contact person that can communicate between separated family members (should something happen in your area, it may be easier to call long distance than across town, putting the contact person in a helpful center point for all of your family members). Then, make sure all family members have the out-of-town contact’s phone number, as well as a working cell phone or phone card with which to make calls. If your child is very young, you may want to practice with her the way to use a phone or phone card, plus make sure she knows how to use text messaging (texts may be more likely than calls to go through in an emergency, since phone lines could be tied up).

For more details about creating an emergency plan for your family, visit http://ready.adcouncil.org/beprepared/fep/index.jsp.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

We recently talked to the Department of Homeland Security, and heard some really useful things about how families can be prepared if something scary should happen. For the next few days, we’ll be sharing the important information that parents need to know.

“There’s no question that prepared parents are key to building a prepared nation.  DHS recognizes mothers and parents as key partners in our mission, and we are committed to providing the resources and information needed to help them be informed and prepared for all types of emergencies,” says department spokesperson Matt Chandler.

The first thing parents can do? Create an emergency kit. This should include basic items like water, non-perishable food (a 3-day supply is probably enough), batteries, a flashlight, first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio. Other items to consider adding could include copies of important family documents, cash, sleeping bags or blankets, extra clothing, personal hygiene items, and food for your pet. Finally, after taking care of the essentials, be sure to consider any unique needs that can also be added to the kit: Does anyone in your family take prescription medication, for instance? Does someone wear glasses or contact lenses?

For more details about creating an emergency kit for your family, visit www.ready.gov/america/getakit/.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Buying less will make your kids appreciate things more, says Green Baby Guide’s post on underindulgence.
• SimpleMom uses olive oil to cleanse her face—and shows you how to do it, too.
• Looking to make your home healthier? Mindful Momma shares the three most toxic household cleaning products, plus healthier alternatives.
• Find tips for smoother pediatrician appointments at Pregnancy and Baby.
• The Tranquil Parent discusses how to foster compassion in your kids.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

The Project Green Search is looking for the next eco-friendly “it girl”—and we know just who it should be! Click here to vote for our friend and green mom extraordinaire, Corey Colwell-Lipson, today! Hurry, voting ends at midnight!

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Looking for a book that can show your kid how she can learn to do her part to help the planet? Try Think Green! (Kids Think Big LLC). The book tells the story of how Millicent and her friends take active steps to live earth-friendly–like turning off the lights before leaving a room, recycling, making sure to not leave the water running, taking public transportation, and using reusable bags and rechargeable batteries. Not only does Think Green! offer fun illustrations and eco-friendly lessons, but it’s also printed on 100% recycled fiber, with sales proceeds going to green causes. Want to learn more? Check out kidsthinkbig.com.

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

Sniffle season has begun, and with the added spread of swine flu, it’s even more important to be vigilant about frequent handwashing. Fortunately, the challenge of getting kids to suds up just got a little easier.

While the FDA states that washing hands with hot, soapy water is the only way to ensure bacteria are killed, recent evidence suggests otherwise. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that when it comes to handwashing, the water temperature makes no difference—as long as participants washed long enough (about 25 seconds), they were able to rid their hands of germs.

The takeaway? Your kid can wash her hands at whatever water temperature is comfortable for her.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Every October,  National Breast Cancer Awareness month seeks to promote breast cancer awareness as well as empower women of all ages to take control of their breast health. By participating in walks or runs, handing out educational fliers, and promoting National Mammography Day (October 16th), women (and men!) can all do their part to make a difference.

But what about families with kids? Kids Konnected is a national nonprofit that seeks to help the kids of breast cancer sufferers cope with the devastating disease. Through their books, Love Sick and Moxie, Kids Konnected is able to support young people by helping them deal with the challenging emotions that stem from a cancer diagnosis. Want to help out? KidsKonnected.org provides unique donation opportunities, plus family-friendly volunteer ideas.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Looking for another way to preserve fall fruit? NatureMoms says try dehydrating!
• More about meat: Why families should choose organic beef, according to Annie’s Organic Baby.
• Fruit flies are annoying, but EnviroMom knows an easy way to banish them from your house.
• Out of the Crayon Box shows how easy it is to make a DIY play kitchen—out of an old nightstand!
• Looking for a fun costume idea to enter in our DIY Halloween costume contest? Try Helping Little Hands‘ poodle outfit.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Readers of the New York Times might already be familiar with the paper’s unsettling story about Stephanie Smith, a young woman who was paralyzed from the waist down after eating beef tainted with E. coli. The article points out that selling ground beef tainted with E. coli has been banned since 1994—and though Smith’s case is an extreme example, federal health officials say the harmful bacteria is still causing tens of thousands of people to fall ill each year. How to ensure the meat your family eats is safe? Consider these tips:

• Choose whole cuts of beef. Ground beef is a mishmash of low-grade cuts of meat which come from parts of a cow that are more likely to be in contact with feces—and therefore, E. coli. What’s more, since a single package of ground beef can come from multiple sources, it’s difficult to trace the origin of harmful bacteria. Whole cuts of beef, on the other hand, are higher-quality, and come from a single source.
• Meet your (meat) maker. If possible, seek out meat from a local producer. Small farmers often eschew large-scale meat production practices like crowding cows or leaving them in dirty conditions, which translates to safer beef. What’s more, the beef is more likely to be free of hormones or antibiotics, and could even be grass-fed.
• Go organic. If a local farmer isn’t an option, choose all-natural, certified-organic beef. It’s produced under stricter (read: safer) standards, can be traced back to an original source, and guarantees that the cow was not fed animal by-products.
• Cook smart. No matter what kind of beef you buy, it’s essential that proper precautions be taken in the kitchen. First, be sure to thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage. Also, store raw beef away from other foods and thoroughly wash hands, cutting boards, and utensils to avoid cross-contamination. Finally, cook beef to a safe internal temperature (check with a meat thermometer) to ensure any bacteria is destroyed.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

I recently visited the Natural Products Expo, a trade show for natural and organic products, and discovered a slew of cool products that should help you in that ongoing struggle.  Many of these or similar products can be found in your local health food store; others can be special ordered or should be coming soon.

Top Kids’ Products: (where possible, my picks were verified by an “under 7 year old” taste test panel)

• Organic B.R.A.T. Diet drink. Shelf stable until opened and a one year shelf life.  Pediatrician recommended for rehydration due to colds, flu or sports!  What are you waiting for? Go get some!
• Chobani Kids Greek Yogurt. The makers of my favorite Greek yogurt now have Champions, a 4-ounce serving of 2% low fat strawnana, verryberry, honeynana or chocolate.  (chobani.com)
• Corners popped corn tortillas come in sea salt, zesty ranch, and nacho cheese (medorasnacks.com)
• Popchips popped potato chips (popchips.com)
• Snikiddy’s baked cheese puffs in cool flavors like mac ‘n cheese, grilled cheese and pizza puffs—and they’re gluten free. (snikiddy.com)
• Jelly Belly’s Superfruit Mix.  My children informed me that this all-natural version is equal in flavor to its original counterpart (which we had on hand!).  I was impressed—can they convert over all of the products? (jellybelly.com)
• Late July’s Mini Endangered Animal Sandwich Cookies.  The founder developed these organic cookies with her young sons. In addition to tasting yummy and donating 10% of profits to the Jane Goodall Institute, they’re a good source of calcium and whole grains!  (latejuly.com)

-Kelley Devaney is a partner of Eat, Drink Marketing, a marketing consulting group based outside of Boston, MA. Reach her at kelley@kelleydevaney.com.

I recently visited the Natural Products Expo, a trade show for natural and organic products, and discovered a slew of cool products that should help you in that ongoing struggle.  Many of these or similar products can be found in your local health food store; others can be special ordered or should be coming soon.

Kelley’s Top Ingredient Picks

• Raw Honey.  I didn’t realize honey was such a processed food until I kept seeing so much raw honey.  Apparently,  the sweet stuff is usually heated to ensure that it flows easily into those little containers we buy at the store.  Pasteurization destroys almost all of the enzymes, antibiotics, and vitamins that are naturally present in honey.  Raw honey comes straight from the hive, with bits of honeycomb, pollen, and propolis.  The health benefits range from lowering cholesterol to fighting colds to aiding digestion, among many others.  It is even recommended for topical use for wounds and burns!  I liked Wee Bee Honey, Honey Bunny, and Really Raw Honey.
• Coconut water.  I was familiar with coconut milk (and ice cream) for those avoiding dairy and soy, but I had never heard of coconut water, which only comes from green coconuts.  Coconut water is a healthy, natural alternative to sports drinks.  It’s completely free of additives—coconut water is naturally a little sweet, rich in electrolytes, and has more potassium than a banana.  My faves were  Zico,  O.N.E., Amy & Brian, and Vitacoco .
• Agave. It’s everywhere!  This all-natural, low glycemic index sweetener, is not only available in maple, amaretto, and hazelnut flavorings, but can also be found in these yummy products: Pamela’s Products gluten-free cheesecake, Flavrz drink mixes, and Organic Valley’s new low fat yogurt. What’s more, did you know that raw agave is also available? To be converted into an edible nectar, agave is heated to a high temperature for a short time, producing a light colored liquid ideal as a multi-purpose sweetener.  Raw agave is either treated with enzymes or gently warmed over a period of time.  Raw agave is darker in color and has a richer flavor similar to molasses or maple, and is available from Wholesome Sweeteners.
• Teas. I couldn’t believe how far teas have come since Celestial Seasonings’ “SleepyTime” tea.  It seemed as though every tea vendor offered not only black, green, white and herbal teas, but also promised everything from antioxidants to probiotics, detox, superfruits, heartburn relief, and even superior performance in the bedroom. My favorites included GoodEarth’s Yumberry Superfruit Tea, Bigelow’s Pomegranate Pizzazz Herb Tea, and Stash Tea’s line of Iced Green Tea powders- just add to a glass of cold water and stir!

-Kelley Daveney is a partner of Eat, Drink Marketing, a marketing group based outside Boston, MA. Reach her at kelley@kelleydaveney.com.

Looking for ways to make Halloween healthier for your kids and the planet? Check out kiwimagonline.com/halloween, where you’ll find…

• KIWI-tested and -approved picks for all-natural candy that’s free of artificial sweeteners, colors, flavorings, and preservatives.
• Fun eco-crafts like a trick-or-treating tote and Halloween decorations made from recycled materials, plus homemade costume ideas and instructions.
• Spooky books and movies that will get your whole family in the Halloween spirit.
• Maylee’s DIY Costume Contest. Enter your kid’s or pet’s homemade Halloween costume for a chance to win JAKKS Pacific toys or a dog- or cat-friendly gift basket!

There’s more where that came from, so check it out! Does your family have any plans to go green this Halloween?

I’ve been there too.  “Mom, I’m hungry right now!  No, I don’t want an apple or a cheese stick!”  It’s always a struggle to balance good-for-you with what they (or you) really want.  Although my husband and I are still “head of household” on paper, I often feel that my 4 and 6 year old kids are the true power brokers.

I recently visited the Natural Products Expo, a trade show for natural and organic products, and discovered a slew of cool products that should help you in that ongoing struggle.  Many of these or similar products can be found in your local health food store; others can be special ordered or should be coming soon.

My Top  Picks:

• Organic B.R.A.T. Diet: I wish this had been around when I was trying to get my kids to choke down Pedialyte. Sweetened with apple and banana puree, it is designed to naturally promote electrolyte balance. It’s based on the B.R.A.T. Diet (stands for the diet your mom fed you when you were recovering from an upset stomach: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce & Toast- only this version is gluten, dairy, soy and corn free) and it really tastes good. This won the show’s “Most Innovative Product Award”. (bratdiet.org)
• Red’s All Natural Burritos: Turkey Mole, Chicken, Big Green Veggie and Steak. (redsallnatural.com)
• evol. Burritos: Eleven mouthwatering varieties including Cilantro Chicken, Breakfast Skillet and Tofu & Spinach Saute. (evolburritos.com)
• Native Water: Water from the Berkshires bottled in an earth-friendly plastic bottle. The bottle “returns to the environment within 1 to 5 years” due to the “Ecopure” FDA-approved substance. I can’t wait for this bottle to become mainstream! (earthfriendlybottle.com)
• Ayala’s Herbal Water: water lightly and deliciously flavored with lavender mint or cinnamon orange peel (and other flavors). I just loved the originality and the taste. (herbalwater.com)
• Golden Valley Natural Winchester snack bars: This company has a full line of beef jerky, which scared me off initially. However, the Beef and Berry (dried beef & cranberries) and Pork & Fruit (dried pork, cherries & apple) sounded awful but were great! I was also surprised to really enjoy their turkey jerky and Fruit Stix. (goldenvalleynatural.com)
• Vermont Cookie Love: if you don’t want to make cookies from scratch, or yearn for some interesting new varieties like mocha or pumpkin chocolate chip, look no further. It’s frozen dough shaped like a burrito. (vermontcookielove.com)

–Kelley Devaney is a partner of Eat, Drink Marketing, a marketing consulting group near Boston, MA. Reach her at kelley at kelleydevaney dot com.

Our friends at HAPPYBABY have been chosen as one of three finalists (and the only woman-owned company!)  in the Shine A Light contest sponsored by Amex and NBC Universal.  HAPPYBABY was nominated for pioneering healthy, eco-friendly foods for babies and toddlers, plus their commitment to customer service, and their dedication to improving local and global communities everywhere through education. What’s more, their partnership with the heroic non-profit, Project Peanut Butter, enables each product sold by HAPPYBABY to feed a starving child in Africa for an entire day.

A vote for HAPPYBABY as the Shine A Light winner is a vote for healthy and happy babies everywhere. To learn more information and cast your ballot, click here.

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Heather at A Mama’s Blog is training for the Komen Denver Race for the Cure.
• Feeling foggy? Learn the top three ways to get energized at Mom On The Run.
• GeekyMomma gets back to teaching, and notices that while the kids have stayed the same, other things at school have changed.
• How do you know an item you’re buying is really green? Tree Hugging Family shares their criteria for green product reviews.
• A new way to use pumpkin: Kingdom Twindom shares her method for pumpkin pie puffs.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

It’s the first day of October, and that means the start of all things pumpkin. If your family is planning a trip to the local u-pick patch this weekend, consider some of these pumpkin picking tips from Spigola Ristorante in Hamilton Township, NJ:

• Selecting. You’ll know you’re picking a mature pumpkin if the outside is firm (check by pressing with your fingernail—it shouldn’t be able to leave a scratch) and has a bright orange color. Avoid pumpkins with scars or cracks.
• Storing. If you’re not planning on using your pumpkin right away, it will keep for at least a month if held in a cool, dry place. Want to hold onto it even longer for cooking or baking? Remove the skin from the flesh and freeze or can.
• Using. In addition to carving for a jack-o-lantern, pumpkins can be baked whole in a 325 degree oven (time varies with size, but be sure to poke holes in the skin!). What’s more, you can scoop out the seeds and roast on a baking sheet for 12-15 minutes at 250 degrees.
• Discarding. Try composting! If that’s not an option, find out about donating your pumpkin to a local animal farm.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Have you heard about the new eco-conscious documentary, My Toxic Baby? Directed by mom Min Sook Lee, it chronicles her journey to find safe, sane, and affordable ways to raise her child in a world full of chemicals and synthetic ingredients. Motivated by baby care products that she describes as a “mountain of stuff [that] seemed so completely unnecessary”, Lee sought to share her parenting journey with others in an attempt to let moms and dads know about the healthy, chemical-free alternatives that exist.

My Toxic Baby recently made it’s debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, though there’s no word about future premieres. However, you can learn more about the documentary—and even order a copy—at mytoxicbaby.com.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

We’re not sure whether it’s the economy, a greater interest in eco-conscious living, or both, but the popularity of swapping has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years. Exchanging clothes, books, toys, and other goods with friends, family, or other community members is a great way to save money and reduce consumption, but specialty swapping sites are where you’re likely to find the biggest selection. Some of our favorites:

• Bookmooch.com. If the library doesn’t have the book you or your kid is looking for, try this site, which allows users to browse through tons of books that other people want to get rid of. You can also use the site to clear off some space on your bookshelf, too, by listing titles your family wants to give away.
• Dignswap.com. This site bills itself as a clothes swap mecca for fashionistas–so there’s tons of clothes, shoes, and accessories for women. But there’s also plenty of kids clothes and accessories, too!
• Toystotrade.com. We’re thinking the name of this site might be a misnomer, because there’s more here than just toys. Toys to Trade also helps families share cribs, strollers, and even movies.
• Swapitgreen.com. Swap it Green is an online, point-based yard sale. Users earn points for offering up goods ranging from watches to CDs, and spend points to grab up items from other people.

Have a favorite swapping site? Share it with us in the comments!

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Are you a city mom or a country mom? Being the latter, BusyMom discusses her fascination with life in New York and Chicago.
• We found out from Wisconsin Mommy that September 23rd was National Family Game Night. Perhaps a little late, but who says your family game night can’t be September 28th instead?
• Petite Planet recounts the childhood pleasure of hanging out under the kitchen table, and links to some cool photos, too!
• How to get your kid to like broccoli? The Mom Slant explains why she doesn’t buy branded character foods for her family.
• Mom-101 recalls her own ballet experience when taking her daughter to her first class.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Whether your family gets them at the U-pick orchard or local farmer’s market, I’m willing to bet you’ve got a whole lot of apples right now. What to do aside from sticking them in your kid’s lunchbox? How about…

• …Cooking applesauce? Cook sliced, cored (and peeled, if you’d like) apples in a sauce pot over medium heat until they begin to break down. Be sure to add some lemon juice to keep the apples from browning, and add any or all of the following for added flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, pure maple syrup, or other fall fruits like pears. Mash with a potato masher for chunky sauce, or smooth it out in a blender or food processor.
• …Making apple art? Slice apples in half, and have kids dip apples into non-toxic paint, sliced side down. Then, they can stamp the apple prints on paper for a fall-themed masterpiece.
• …Bobbing for apples? Swap an evening TV show for a night of old-fashioned family fun. Fill a large bucket, basin, or even your kitchen sink with water, then add a few whole apples. See who can be the first to grab an apple with their teeth!
• …Being a modern-day Johnny Appleseed? Okay, you’ll still have to eat the apples first, but be sure to save those seeds! Walk around and scatter the seeds while wearing a pot on your head (that’s what Johnny did!) or just plant some in your backyard. Maybe a tree will sprout, maybe it won’t—but your kids will have fun either way.

Any other fun ways your family likes to use apples? Let us know in the comments!

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

As part of our recognition of Organic Harvest Month, KIWI is celebrating pioneers of the organic movement by sharing their inspiring stories, plus their thoughts on healthy, sustainable food.

Annie’s Homegrown

In 1989, Annie Whithey, a mom of 2, set out to create a healthier version of mac and cheese, one that was free of artificial additives, preservatives, and colors. Along the way, she founded the company that bears her name—and does so much more than make dinner and snack time healthier.

From its early days making just mac and chees, Annie’s Homegrown has sought to be “a socially responsible business that gave back to the community and did things in an unconventional way—all-natural, and with a commitment to the environment,” says Annie’s CEO John Foraker, who works at the forefront, receiving product ideas and feedback from Annie at her Connecticut farmhouse. “Annie’s was built to be everything mainstream companies weren’t. Whatever Kraft would do, Annie’s would work to do the opposite.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Warm up with your family on a chilly morning while enjoying the best of the season’s produce with these festive fall breakfasts.

• Creamy pumpkin pie oats. Prepare plain oats however you normally do, then transfer to a blender or food processor. Add 1/2 cup canned pumpkin for each serving of oats, a few dashes of cinnamon, plus a pinch each of ginger and cloves—then whizz away (blending the oats makes the dish super creamy, sort of like a pudding!). Serve with chopped walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Open-faced apple-almond butter sandwich. My favorite on-the-go breakfast. Toast two slices of your kid’s favorite bread (I love Ezekial sprouted grain bread, but anything except white, please!) Slather each piece of bread with almond butter, then top with crunchy apple slices and sprinkle with cinnamon.
• Kabocha squash pudding. Roast or steam slices of peeled kabocha or butternut squash (perhaps the night before to save time!). Transfer to a food processor, then blend, adding enough milk (dairy or non-dairy, both work) to make a smooth mixture. Add some ground ginger for warmth, then sweeten to taste with a little agave nectar or maple syrup.
• Pumpkin smoothie. In a blender, combine 1/4 cup canned pumpkin with 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt, maple syrup to taste, plus a pinch each of cinnamon and nutmeg. Blend to combine and serve.
• Baked apples. These are best straight out of the oven, so save them for the weekend! Slice off the tops of 4 baking apples (like Granny Smith), then scoop out the centers. Stuff apples with a mixture of chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, plus a tiny bit of butter and lemon zest for good measure, then bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. To keep the fruit moist, you can baste them with a little bit of apple juice throughout the baking process.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Even with all the talk about organic gardens and farmers markets, we didn’t see this one coming! The White House will undergo a number of renovations to improve waste and energy efficiency in an effort to become LEED-certified. Think the building is way too old to be renovated? Not so, says Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and President of the U.S. Green Building Council, who says that “LEED certification of the White House is absolutely possible and viable.”

Upcoming changes to the building will include:

• Implementing computerized energy management systems
• Automatic light sensors that turn off when a room is empty
• Low flow water valves
• Paints and sealers with low or no VOCs
• Window films to lower UV rays and save energy

Read more at Sierra Club Green Home.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Life transitions of all kinds can be tough for kids and grown-ups alike. The Tranquil Parent finds wisdom in the words of Winnie the Pooh author A.A. Milne.
• On our quest to always be a little greener, Pure Mothers asks: Can environmentalism go too far?
• Mama-Om documents her son’s experience with the giant octopus tree. Talk about kids exploring nature!
• Caught up in the Swine Flu scare? Mom Go Green shares tips to keep your kids safe.
• Via Green Me: Due to the recent BPA controversy, Patagonia has terminated their relationship with SIGG.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

As part of our recognition of Organic Harvest Month, KIWI is celebrating pioneers of the organic movement by sharing their inspiring stories, plus their thoughts on healthy, sustainable food.

Eden Foods

In 1968, a group of friends decided they weren’t interested in the processed food products available in supermarkets—so they sought out healthier options on their own: That’s how Eden Foods was born. “We had learned a bit, and decided we didn’t want commercial food, which was full of toxins. We went about getting [healthy food] ourselves and sharing it with as many people as we could,” says Eden Foods CEO Michael Potter.

Read the rest of this entry »

Help your child stay in touch with people she doesn’t often get to see with Storybird, an online service that uses collaborative storytelling to connect kids and families. Designed for families with kids age 3-13, the website allows users to build the beginning of a story with a few sentences and images, then pass it on to someone else to add more. While it only takes two people to create a story at Storybird, groups of three, four, or more can also work together–opening up near endless possibilities for tales of all kind.

Storybird is free for anyone to use. While visitors are currently only able to share their stories online, the website plans to offer printing services (for a fee) in the future. Check it out at storybird.com.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Now that school has officially started and our minds are racing with fears of Swine Flu lingering all around, many questions arise. A big one that I often hear is, “What is the single most important thing I can do every day for my kids to protect them?”

It’s simple: Feed them healthy food every day. As a parent and physician, I can assure you that well-nourished children stay healthier–and when they do get sick, recover quicker. The body obtains it’s main source of naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables. Further, these nutrients provide the building blocks for a healthy immune system and cellular integrity throughout the body.

With the importance of childhood nutrition in mind, here are some tips for packing a healthy school lunch or snack:

1. Pack a nutritious snack every day that has at least 2 grams of protein
2. Look for snack foods or bars that are less than 140 calories per serving
3. Always pack at least one fresh fruit or veggie in school lunches
4. For younger kids who may not eat a lot, pack a half a sandwich (but that’s full of good stuff in the middle!)
5. Avoid artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and colors
6. Stay away from high fructose corn sweeteners at all cost
7. Pack a reusable water bottle every day so your child stays hydrated
8. Pack a calcium-rich snack such as a cheese stick or yogurt if your child is not drinking milk with lunch

-Dr. Keri Marshall, MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Hain Celestial to bring an assortment of kid-friendly books to two lucky winners! Titles include:

• Is My Dog a Wolf?
• The Spa Princess Cookbook
• On a Road to Africa
• The Master Detective Handbook

To enter, click here. Hurry, contest ends October 31st!

Remember way back in March when Michelle Obama broke ground at the White House garden with a group of Washington D.C. fifth-graders? Now, the Obamas have taken another, even bigger step towards promoting local, sustainable food–this time, with an entire farmers market!

Fresh Farm Markets, a nonprofit group that operates several farm markets around the Washington and Maryland area, recently won approval to set up a market on Vermont Avenue near the White House. White House officials have not commented on the amount of their involvement in the project, however, the co-director of Fresh Farm Markets says that the Obamas “support the idea of farmers markets.”

The market kicks off this Thursday, with weekly runs on the same day until October 29th.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Our friends at Barefoot Books are running a fun kitchen competition (for kids and grown-ups!) that we wanted to share with you. To celebrate the launch of their healthy cooking deck Kids’ Kitchen: 40 Fun and Healthy Recipes to Make and Share, Barefoot asks you to enter a picture or short video of how you share healthy living with your kids and you will be entered to win a $500 Whole Foods gift card or other great Barefoot Books prizes!

Visit Barefoot Books to find out more information about how to enter. This contest ends October 15th!

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Are peaches still available at your local farmer’s market? If so, try canning some of them for the winter with this tutorial from Naturally Knocked Up.
• The Tranquil Parent encourages moms and dads to check your child’s car seat to make sure it’s properly installed.
• Next time you have an opportunity to take a relaxing bath, try Frugal Granola’s recipe for Mama’s Passion Bath Salt.
• Make and Takes says you can  preserve family memories by  encouraging your kids to journal.
• Slowly but surely, cities are providing curbside composting. Learn about it at Green Mama’s Pad.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

If you’re in the Philadelphia area this weekend, check out GreenFest Philly! The theme of this family-friendly event is all things sustainable food, so whether you’re interested in vegetarian meals, local produce, or grass-fed beef, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Some of the things we’re most looking forward to?

• Dorene’s Herbal Walk. Families can learn about local plants growing all around them–some even in the sidewalk cracks!
• Nutritional evaluations. Bring a list of everything you’ve eaten in the past 3-7 days, and see if your meals are up to snuff!
• Cider press. Billed specifically as a kid’s activity, The Philadelphia Orchard Project will giving hands-on demonstrations on how to press apple cider!

GreenFest Philly will be held at 2nd and South Streets this Sunday from 11am-6pm. For more, check out greenfestphilly.org. Hope to see you there!

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Last month, we discussed the importance of water conservation, plus a way for families to determine if they might be using too much water. If you took the water footprint test and found your result to be less than desirable, don’t worry! The online magazine, GOOD, has created a handy chart that shows there are plenty of tiny changes you can make that have the potential to add up to big water savings, resulting in a greener planet and a lower water bill. Some of our favorites?

• You’ll save up to 16 gallons of water by using a dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes. (You’ll also save some time cleaning up after a meal, and save your hands from feeling too dry!)
• You’ll save about 33 gallons of water by nixing soda for…a glass of water! (You’ll also create less trash, save money on grocery bills, and save on the headache from dealing with kids on a sugar rush!)
• You’ll save about 600 gallons of water by serving salad for dinner instead of hamburgers. (You’ll also save money on grocery bills and get your family to eat a ton of vitamins and nutrients!)

How does your family save water? Let us know in the comments!

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Whether your kid will need to restock his school supplies this year or is just looking for some planet-friendly gift ideas for his holiday wish list, he’s bound to find a slew of cool notebooks, pencils, art supplies, and non-toxic toys at Stubby Pencil Studio. We’ve teamed up with this eco-conscious online store to offer one lucky reader a $100 shopping spree–but the giveaway only lasts until October 30th! Check out kiwimagonline.com/contests to enter today.

Here’s the latest and greatest of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Interested in having your blog featured? Let us know in the comments!

• Trying to cut back on grocery bills? See how Melanie of My Little Patch of Sunshine does it.
• Crunchy Domestic Goddess is encouraging families to reduce their impacts on the planet with the Ditch the Disposables Challenge 2009.
• Apple season is upon us, and GreenStyleMom takes her kids to pick their own. Fun!
• Tree Hugging Family knows greening your trash bags isn’t the most exciting thing–but it’s still important.
• Ever thought about how the color pink affects gender cues? PhD in Parenting makes some interesting points.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

As part of our recognition of Organic Harvest Month, KIWI is celebrating pioneers of the organic movement by sharing their inspiring stories, plus their thoughts on healthy, sustainable food.

Seeds of Change

If you’ve ever bitten into a perfectly ripe, heirloom tomato that was so delicious you wondered who to thank for it, here’s your answer: Seeds of Change. Since its inception in 1989, the company has been driven by a singular mission: To promote biodiversity and sustainable, organic agriculture.

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In the NYC area? Head over to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum tomorrow from 11:30am-1:30pm for a Prechoolers’ Fall Fun Party. Kids 5 and under can celebrate the start of preschool with music, snacks, giveaways, art projects, storytelling, and more. Entrance to the party is free with museum admission ($7.50 per person) and older siblings are welcome, too! Think of it as your kid’s first Live It Up Day. Learn more at brooklynkids.org.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Celebrating Labor Day weekend with a family cookout or barbecue? Get one last taste of summer with these recipes, which use the best of the season’s fruits and vegetables.

• Thai shrimp lettuce wraps
• Quinoa chopped salad
• Grilled fish sandwiches
• Kiwi and summer fruit kebabs
• Lemon blueberry sorbet

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

SIGG reusable water bottles are safer than plastic ones because they don’t contain BPA-or so most eco-conscious consumers thought until the news broke last week stating otherwise. While in the past, SIGG has reported that its bottles present no detectable level of BPA, the company refused to answer whether or not bottle liners actually contain the toxin. So when the company recently announced that it’s new reusable bottles will be completely BPA-free, questions began to arise regarding the older bottles.

As it turns out, SIGG bottles manufactured before August 2008 contained a liner that housed trace amounts of BPA. In response to the controversy, SIGG CEO Steve Wasik explained that the company was being honest in its disclosure because the bottles didn’t actually leach the chemical. “I believe that the BPA conversation has changed dramatically in the last 12 months. Last year, the primary concern was that of BPA leaching from bottles. Since that time the dialogue has evolved such that now some people are concerned about the mere presence of BPA and some states are considering legislation,” he says.

SIGG is now offering its customers BPA-free replacement bottles, however, won’t be footing the bill for shipping costs. To learn more about the exchange, check out mysigg.com.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer