Are you a creative cook? Carlson Fish Oil is looking for delicious new ways to encourage people to get their omega-3’s. If you have a great, healthy recipe incorporating fish oil, enter their contest for a chance to win $500! To learn more, click here. Looking for inspiration? Check out Carlson’s recipe for Scott’s Secret Salad Dressing.
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!
-Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI Staff Writer
KIWI’s May/June issue is now available at newsstands! We’ll help you kick off summer with planet-friendly party ideas, natural sun safety for kids, and lots of great recipes for sustainable seafood and super protein alternatives. Pick up a copy with your family this weekend before hitting the beach!
-Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI Staff Writer
In honor of May being the month to celebrate moms, it seems only appropriate to bring your attention to a very useful website that I just came across. As a naturopathic doctor, I always have friends, family, and patients asking me for resources that I find valuable, or on “the same page as me.” That being said, it is hard to find such resources which with I agree.
The American Pregnancy Association (APA) is the leading non-profit organization in the US committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, research, advocacy and community awareness. I have found their website to be fair, balanced, and informative for a wide range of readers. The links they provide will answer many important questions for those trying to achieve a healthy pregnancy, as well as answer questions regarding infertility issues and adoption. They also provide a list of resources to find specific practitioners such as doulas, lactation consultants, pregnancy massage and yoga experts, and midwives.
More importantly, and close to my own heart, they provide facts regarding pregnancy-related nutrition and commonly asked questions regarding prenatal vitamins and herbal medicines that are safe to use during pregnancy. In addition, you will find accurate information about what foods should be avoided and what foods should be eaten.
In February of this year, the APA officially announced a partnership with Nordic Naturals, the leader in omega-3 fish oils and essential fatty acid blends. Scientific research has confirmed the importance of essential fatty acids, in particular DHA, for prenatal, maternal and neonatal development. DHA comprises about 30-40% of the fatty tissue found in the brain and is essential for proper development of brain, eyes, male genitalia, nerves, and the immune system. International organizations have set standards for essential fatty acids during pregnancy at a minimum of 300mg a day. Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA provides 450 mg of DHA in just 2 caps.
If you are pregnant or are thinking of getting pregnant, please visit their website, americanpregnancy.org.
-Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.
If you (or your kids) are dreaming of sleeping in dorms, eating in cafeterias, or going to school with thousands of more students than you could imagine while in high school; then, we want to make sure your college experience is as green as can be. Sustainability on college campuses is on the rise, but how eco-friendly is your dream school? Good news: our 2008 Green College Report is available online. Even better, we just launched our online survey for colleges and universities to apply to enter our 2009 Green College Report. We’ll be featuring this report in our September/October 2009 issue of KIWI Magazine in addition to providing you with our complete online version.
Click here to join our 2009 list.
– Stephanie, KIWI staff and believer that every college and university can practice sustainability
Toxic Free NC, a North Carolina-based organization seeking to fight pesticide pollution, recently released a report detailing their study of pest control usage in 89 local child care centers. The results are less than encouraging: Over half of the child care providers who participated in Toxic Free NC’s survey said they regularly use broadcast pesticide sprays.
The dangers that pesticides pose to all people are well-known, and these risks are only magnified in children due to their smaller size and still-developing organs. Additionally, children are more likely to be in close contact with the chemicals due to their tendency to play close to the ground or floor and put objects in their mouths.
While this information is discouraging, there are some signs of progress. Roughly 25% of survey respondents reported using Integrated Pest Management, a form of pest control that’s gentler on the environment and people’s health that relies largely on the use of information regarding the life cycle and environment of pests and a minimal amount of pesticides. Currently IPM is the pest control method of choice for most North Carolina public schools–hopefully North Carolina’s child care centers will begin to follow suit.
To learn more about Toxic Free NC as well as to download their full survey report, visit http://www.toxicfreenc.org/informed/bigrisksforsmallkids.html.
-Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI Staff Writer
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!
-Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI Staff Writer
If spring has been a long time coming in your neck of the woods, why not celebrate with a silk dyeing party? Here’s what you’ll need:
And here’s how to do it:
Use silks for dancing, dressing up, imagination play, wrapping gifts, or anything else your heart desires!
-Lynn and Corey Colwell, mother-daughter duo and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Beaches fill with umbrellas and sandcastles, swim clubs open for the season, campgrounds flood with tents, and the smell of barbeque pervades neighborhoods. Start your holiday weekend with our bbq favorites and the natural condiments to go with them.
Between the Buns
All-Beef: For a plump, hearty, tastes-like-it-came-off-the-grill treat, try Applegate Farms Great Organic Hot Dog. Made with 100% organic grass-fed beef, this dog has half the fat as many traditional varieties, but all the flavor as your childhood faves.
Pork & Beef: Juicy, with hints of both sweet and salty, Organic Prairie’s Uncured Hot Dog gives a great snap as you bite into it. For the youngsters, try Niman Ranch Fearless Uncured Franks for Kids. These dogs are made with antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, plus the mild flavor and thin shape make them a great choice for little mouths.
Vegetarian: Want a dog, but not meat? Packed with protein, LightLife’s Veggie Dogs, made with organic ingredients, and all-natural Yves Good Dog boasts a delicious hickory flavor. Plus, there’s no saturated fat or cholesterol in these dogs, making them one summer snack that won’t ruin your diet.
Poultry: Organic Prairie Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs and Uncured Turkey Hot Dogs are skinless, made from organic meat and boast a smoky and hearty taste, but contain much less fat than pork or beef dogs.
Tasty Toppers
Ketchup: With Annie’s Naturals Organic Ketchup, delight in the same traditional ketchup taste that you love but without the high fructose corn syrup or pesticide-ridden tomatoes. Or try a new twist on an old classic with Wholemato’s Spicy Organic Agave Ketchup, a thick adaptation with a smoky flavor that’s sweetened with agave nectar.
Mustard: Available in a jar or a squeeze bottle, Eden Organic Yellow Mustard Stone Ground with Apple Cider Vinegar is essential for any condiment lover. Gentle hints of vinegar and garlic harmonize in this smooth-textured mustard.
Sauerkraut: Tree of Life sauerkraut contains only organic cabbage, water and salt, making it mild enough for even the youngest family member to enjoy.
Relish: For a refreshing summer treat, top your dog with the crunchy Del Monte Organic Sweet Pickle Relish. Its tangy taste will be sure to put your tongue into overdrive.
– Cricket Azima, KIWI Food Editor and lover of bbqs
The eternal question: How I can stay fit, be outside, get enough exercise and juggle parenting? This Mother’s Day I told my husband that I was mowing the lawn, and that he was in charge of the kids. We recently moved into a new suburban neighborhood in Washington DC and as a result we have to keep up with the “lawn Olympics.” This is what my husband and I refer to as the compulsive need to have the perfect manicured lawn and garden, with all the accessories to manage it. While many of our elderly neighbors have lawn service, our younger generation tends to fend for themselves.
What I have noticed is that while much of the gardening is a shared task between the genders, the actual lawn mowing is most often the male’s “job.” I vote to change that. Not only was my Mother’s Day mow relaxing and meditative (good music on my Ipod), I burned somewhere around 900 calories! And I made Vitamin D in the process from the sun. Mowing the lawn can burn anywhere from 350-500 calories per hour depending on the speed you move and your body weight. There really is no reason why this chore needs to be male dominated.
In fact, I think I finally realized why men find such joy in this. I would take it any day over vacuuming or sweeping dusty floors inside. I am always looking for an excuse to be outside, why not get exercise in the process? Maybe for Father’s Day this year, tell your husband you are treating him to a morning with the kids while you mow the lawn for him. He will think you are doing him a favor!
– Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.
EACH CAMP INCLUDES: Professional cooking instruction of hands-on kid-friendly recipes in a focused, fun and safe environment. Trained culinary teachers from Whole Foods Market Bowery Culinary Center and KIWI Magazine. A limit of 12 participants, ensuring a low child-to-instructor ratio. Cooking projects, games, craft activities and creative excursions. Lunch or snack and beverages (special diets can be accommodated). Lessons on sustainability, composting, gardening, recycling and other eco-friendly ways of life. Apron, chef’s hat and a graduation goodie bag packed with cool stuff!
SESSION I:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
July 14TH to 16TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
2pm – 3:30pm
July 13TH to 17TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
July 20TH to 24TH
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
July 27TH to 31ST
SESSION II:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
August 11TH to 13TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
2pm – 3:30pm
August 10TH to 14TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
August 17TH to 21ST
To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, please register online. For general questions about the camp or to register over the phone, please contact Alison Martin at the Whole Foods Market at 408-257-7000 x325.
Whole Foods Market, Stevens Creek Culinary Center
20955 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
Join chefs from KIWI® Magazine and Whole Foods Market® in exploring culinary regions of the world through food and festivity. Each camp incorporates exciting global foods and facts. We’ll crank up the heat and get hands-on as we make international dishes from places such as Mexico, Morocco, China, Italy and Japan. Explore continents and countries one plate at a time!
SESSION I:
Globe Trekkers: 12 to 14 years
12:30pm – 3pm
July 6TH to 10TH
World Explorers: 9 to 11 years
12:30pm – 3pm
July 13TH to 17TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 6 to 8 years
12:30pm – 3pm
July 20TH to 24TH
SESSION II:
Jr. Jetsetters: 6 to 8 years
12:30pm – 3pm
August 3RD to 7TH
World Explorers: 9 to 11 years
12:30pm – 3pm
August 10TH to 14TH
To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, please register online. For general questions about the camp, please contact Chef Frances Vavloukis, Culinary Center Specialist at the Whole Foods Market at 410-224-2042, or email Chef Frances Vavloukis at asiculinary.center@wholefoods.com.
The Culinary Center of Annapolis at Whole Foods Market
200 Harker Place
Annapolis, MD 21401
Join chefs from KIWI® Magazine and Whole Foods Market® in exploring culinary regions of the world through food and festivity. Each camp incorporates exciting global foods and facts. We’ll crank up the heat and get hands-on as we make international dishes from places such as Mexico, Morocco, China, Italy and Japan. The camps culminate in an around-the-world cooking competition. Explore continents and countries one plate at a time!
The Whisk and The Spoon
The Learning Kitchen at Whole Foods Market, Princeton
3495 US Route 1 South
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone 609.799.2919
SESSION I:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
June 29 and 30
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
July 1 to 3
SESSION II:
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
August 24 to 26
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
August 27 and 28
To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, Please register online or if you want to 
register over the phone or have additional questions please email Nirit Yadin nirit.yadin@wholefood.com or call 609.799.2919 ext. 305.
EACH CAMP INCLUDES: Professional cooking instruction of hands-on kid-friendly recipes in a focused, fun and safe environment. Trained culinary teachers from Whole Foods Market Bowery Culinary Center and KIWI Magazine. A limit of 12 participants, ensuring a low child-to-instructor ratio. Cooking projects, games, craft activities and creative excursions. Lunch or snack and beverages (special diets can be accommodated). Lessons on sustainability, composting, gardening, recycling and other eco-friendly ways of life. Apron, chef’s hat and a graduation goodie bag packed with cool stuff!
AUGUST DATES: TBD. CHECK BACK FOR SCHEDULE UPDATES
OR CALL THE CULINARY CENTER AT 916-488-2800
To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, please register online. For general questions about the camp or to register over the phone, please contact Customer Service at Whole Foods Market Sacramento (916) 488-2800.
Join chefs from KIWI® Magazine and Whole Foods Market® in exploring culinary regions of the world through food and festivity. 
Each camp incorporates exciting global foods and facts. We’ll crank up the heat and get hands-on as we make international dishes from places such as Mexico, Morocco, China, Italy and Japan. Explore continents and countries one plate at a time!
EACH CAMP INCLUDES: Professional cooking instruction of hands-on kid-friendly recipes in a focused, fun and safe environment. Trained culinary teachers from Whole Foods Market Bowery Culinary Center and KIWI Magazine. A limit of 12 participants, ensuring a low child-to-instructor ratio. Cooking projects, games, craft activities and creative excursions. Lunch or snack and beverages (special diets can be accommodated). Lessons on sustainability, composting, gardening, recycling and other eco-friendly ways of life. Apron, chef’s hat and a graduation goodie bag packed with cool stuff!
SESSION I:
Half-Pint Voyager: 2 ½ to 4 years
11am – 12pm
June 23RD, 24TH and 25TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
July 13TH to 17TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
July 20TH to 24TH
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
July 27TH to 31ST
SESSION II:
Teen Bootcamp
11am – 3pm
August 5TH to 7TH
Jr. Jetsetters: 5 to 7 years
11am – 12:30pm
August 10TH to 14TH
World Explorers: 8 to 10 years
11am – 2pm
August 17TH to 21ST
Globe Trekkers: 11 to 14 years
11am – 2:30pm
August 24TH to 28TH
To enroll in KIWI Kids’ Camp, please register online. For general 
questions about the camp or to register over the phone, please contact Christine Carroll, The Culinary Center Director at the Whole Foods Market Bowery at 212-420-1320 x245.
If you tried our suggestion for walking meditation that’s great, we hope it went well! If walking meditation however was not your child’s, partner’s or your cup of tea, no worries; there are many ways to meditate. Another great option is guided meditation. The best part is it allows you to be creative in what you choose to guide you and your family. There are a number of different options, one of which I’ll mention in a moment my favorite of which I’ll mention in a moment. If you do go the traditional route and use a guided meditation CD, there is certainly one that will fit your family’s relaxation needs!
All you and your child will need for guided meditation is a comfortable and quiet place to sit or lie down, a blanket and/or pillow, and the meditation CD of your choice. To prepare your family for your meditation session, allow them to participate in deciding which meditation tape you use. Whether you take a visit to your local bookstore or do some online shopping, your child will be more eager to participate if they feel that there little voices were heard.
My favorite option for a guided meditation CD is to choose the audio version of your favorite children’s book, fairytale or folklore. If you don’t already have one in your home, two of my personal favorites are The Velveteen Rabbit and Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates.
Regardless of what you use to guide you with your meditation, make sure you choose a room that is quiet and where you will not be disturbed. Dim or turn the lights off for a greener meditation and enjoy this special, and most importantly quiet, time with your family.
– Sara, KIWI intern and mindfully meditating
From Treehugger.com: “The good folks at Global Green USA have teamed up with Jake Gyllenhaal to launch the “National Green Schools” initiative with a Green Service Day at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, helping students to clean up the school’s edible garden. The “National Green Schools” initiative is aimed at raising general awareness of the benefits of green schools and the critical need for building and modernizing all schools with healthy, high performance green classrooms.”
KIWI also has a website dedicated to greening schools: myhealthyschool.com. Sign up to join our email list or become part of our teachers’ advisory board.
– Stephanie, KIWI staff and fan of Jake Gyllenhaal and school gardens
Here at KIWI, moms are very important to us and to the future of our green babies. Give your mom an easy, inexpensive Mother’s Day gift by nominating her for our Moms of the Revolution contest. Share her story on how she is revolutionizing the way kids in your community eat. Revolution Foods and KIWI have teamed up for this wonderful, inspiring contest and it does not come as a surprise that others are appreciating how important this contest is. TreeHugger, a well known website focusing on going green, has just mentioned our MOTR contest and we could not be more thrilled! Thanks for your support TreeHugger! Check it out.
– Brittany, KIWI staff and wishing all moms a happy mother’s day
This Mother’s Day, don’t forget the mamma that takes care of us all—the earth! Give your family a nudge in the green direction to seek out a Mother’s Day gift that shows their love for you and the planet.
Go With Organic Blooms. Point your family toward local farmers’ markets for pretty daffodils, peonies, and ranunculus, which are all in season during May. They can also seek arrangements at orangicbouquet.com.
Wrap Yourself in Silk. If your trusty flannel bathrobe is starting to look shabby, a new silk one will make every night feel like an at-home spa. Check out VivaTerra’s floral, kimono-style robe.
Make it Sweet. Tell your family you’ll be willing to share if they give you a sweet treat this Mother’s Day. Try an organic chocolate sampler from Dagoba, which practices full-circle sustainability in their growing, buying, and manufacturing processes, or a handmade vegan cookie sampler from organic, fair-trade baker Liz Lovely.
Take a Spa Day. Sometimes, the best gift is a little rest and relaxation, so make sure your family knows the name of your favorite holistic spa. A soothing massage, cleansing facial, and tranquil environment will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to dive back into the crazy world of mommyhood.
Get Reading. Sharing a mom-themed bedtime story with your little ones is the perfect way to top off this family-filled day. Here are some books to get your started:
It took a while, but spring arrived in full force last week in the Northeast. From Saturday to Tuesday, we had nothing but sunshine, with temperatures reaching nearly 90 degrees for four straight days! Of course, after being holed up inside for what felt like the longest winter ever, I jumped at the chance to spend endless amounts of time outside–more specifically, taking nature walks!
Nature walks are a fun, easy way to connect with your environment because its all about observation. After strolling through the woods for a little while, your thoughts start to melt away, and you catch yourself focusing on nothing and everything at the same time. I say nothing because all of life’s situations, concerns, dates, and deadlines simply fall off the radar while your senses become fully present in nature. You feel the sun on your back, hear the rustle of your footsteps (and likely, of animals scurrying), smell the freshness of the forest, and see all of the wonderous plant and animal life.
This weekend, gather your family together for a walk through the woods. Enjoy each other’s company, and enjoy the vibrancy that becomes apparent in our planet’s offerings when you are fully engaged in nature.
Marygrace, KIWI intern and nature walk enthusiast
The U.S. News blog Washington Whispers recently reported that Wyntergrace Williams, the 14-year-old daughter of Montel Williams, wrote a letter to Malia and Sasha Obama asking them to support her vegetarian lunch campaign.
Wyntergrace, a vegetarian of four years, attended two hearings on Capitol Hill last week in an effort to amend the Child Nutrition Act to include more healthy vegetarian options in public school cafeterias. While neither Malia or Sasha are vegetarians, Wyntergrace points out that Sidwell Friends, the private school that the First Daughters attend, offers well-balanced meat-free meals, and that other schools across the country should do the same.
The White House has not commented on Wyntergrace’s effort, however, she continutes to seek improvement within the National School Lunch Program. Wyntergrace argues that more students will choose vegetarian options if they’re made available, resulting in lower levels of childhood obesity. Look for a TV commercial in the near future featuring Wyntergrace along with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine touting their veggie lunch campaign.
Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) commemorates the Mexican victory over the French on May 5, 1862 in Puebla. It is recognized around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. For dinner tonight, create an authentic Mexican dish that’s mindful of the Earth. Try our Tofu and Cheese Quesadillas. Got your own delicious recipe? Post in a comment below.
Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of tofu and cheese quesadillas
Well, we want to know how!
Simply enter our contest and you could be the next Mom of the Revolution. 5 Moms will be selected to be featured in KIWI Magazine, receive a free KIWI subscription, and a one year supply of healthy lunchbox snacks for their family. One of the 5 Moms will win the GRAND PRIZE OF $3,000 in cash to help fund their own healthy School Lunch Revolution.
Hurry, contest ends May 30th, 2009.
– Stephanie, KIWI staff
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!
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