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