Posts from — February 2010

When the mercury drops, it’s all too easy for kids to veto active pastimes in favor of the TV or computer. Help yours beat cabin fever and get moving with these indoor activities:

• Animal dance party. Boogie like a monkey—or a walrus! Take some inspiration from the Minnesota Children’s Museum, where kids get in touch with their wild sides by dancing the way they think their favorite animals would. Together, cut out images of animals from a magazine and spread them out on a table. Then, turn on the tunes! As each song starts, have everyone pick a new animal.
• At-home scavenger hunt. Hide items around the house, along with clues that’ll lead kids from one object to the next. Try a theme—little ones can search for items in rainbow colors, while big kids can look for objects that represent a region of the world. Even bigger kids can create a scavenger hunt themselves!
• Rock climbing adventure. Kids scaling the walls? Let them at it. Rock climbing is ideal for teens and tweens looking for somewhere to go other than the mall or movie theater, but even kindergarteners can do it: Most climbing gyms feature wall challenges for kids as young as five, says Aaron Snyder, a personal trainer and nutritional coach in San Diego, California. Find a listing of gyms near you at indoorclimbing.com.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Has your kid ever wished she could be an underwater explorer (maybe after watching Finding Nemo)? Now she can—without even getting wet! Nintendo Wii’s new game, Endless Ocean: Blue World ($29.99) allows players to dive into waters around the world to discover  sea creatures like fish, mammals, and turtles. What’s more, players can also explore habitats and the health conditions of different species (and if Mr. Whale isn’t doing so well, help him out with “healing energy”). Further, Endless Ocean: Blue World isn’t just about floating around. The game features a storyline that players can choose to follow including Oceana, a woman trying to investigate the “Dragon’s Song”. Another fun adventure? Stopping by Nine Ball Island to  swim with a dolphin.

The game allows friends with broadband access to connect and dive with each other through their Wi-Fi connection using a microphone (perfect for a day when you’re snowed in, no?).  To learn more, visit endlessocean2.com.

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

I know some people who say animals belong outside, but I’m not one of them. Growing up, my family had cats and a dog that lived indoors with us (and sat on the couch with us, and slept in bed with us, and sometimes even managed to eat at the table with us, though  that was a practice we usually tried to avoid). And today, things are pretty much the same. Of course, my pup loves to chase squirrels and run through big piles of leaves, but she’s also content to stay by my side while I’m reading (or writing for work!) or snuggle next to me while I snooze. How else could I treat my best friend?

With all that, it probably comes as no surprise that I think keeping Charlie healthy and strong by feeding her a high-quality diet is important. That’s why I’m so excited that Holistic Select has offered up one free dog-  and one free cat gift basket filled with natural pet food for KIWI to give away to two of our Facebook fans. Want to enter to win? Check it out!

P.S. Yes, that’s Charlie up at the top!

-Marygrace, 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!

• How do movies and TV influence our idea of what it’s like to have a baby? Crunchy Domestic Goddess explores popular culture’s influence on childbirth.
• And speaking of TV: if your family’s in the market for a new one, check out these planet-friendly buying tips from Green and Clean Mom.
• PhD in Parenting questions McDonald’s sponsorship of the Olympics—and how it’s influencing kids.
• One common relationship challenge? Giving partners the attention they need (despite everyone’s busy schedules!). The Tranquil Parent explores.
• Uh-oh! Healthy Green Moms shares her first experience with the dreaded croup.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Is clean coal for real?

What do clean coal and high fructose corn syrup have in common? They’re both getting major marketing campaigns to boost their image. 

You might have seen the commercials for “clean coal” that are airing during the Olympics. They’re well-done and, dare I say, touching? All those good, honest mine workers. But something doesn’t seem right: Didn’t Al Gore say that clean coal is like a healthy cigarette? (Yes, he did.) President Obama is urging coal companies to find cleaner ways to produce coal–after all, it’s energy we can use that comes from this country. But is it even possible to capture all those carbon emissions and…do something else with them? Some environmental groups say maybe; others say no. It’s hard for regular people like you and me to know what to support here. I think focusing on other renewable energy would be wiser. But what do you think?

The other baddie trying to get a makeover is high fructose corn syrup. These commercials are going the comic route: One person says how bad HFCS is, the other says “wait, why?” and then the health-foodie is made to look like an idiot for not knowing what to say. If you’re like me, these commercials made you a little uncomfortable. Because what do you say? (Seriously, I want to know what you say–share in the comments below.) Here’s what I’ve uncovered: Maybe they’re right that HFCS and sugar are really, really similar. But HFCS is still artificial, and isn’t real better than fake? But most importantly: I don’t know who ever said that sugar’s healthy, but it sure wasn’t me. It’s tasty, and I love it, and I personally think it can be a part of a wholesome diet, but nobody should be drinking and eating it or HFCS all day long. What do you think about sugar and HFCS?

-Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Organic standards in the past have included loopholes that allowed organic dairy cows to live in less-than-optimal conditions, resulting in less healthy dairy and poorer animal treatment. Now, that’s changing.

Last week, the Department of Agriculture issued a set of newly-revised rules regulating how much time organic dairy cows must spend grazing on pasture. Previously, organic cattle only needed to have “access” to pasture, which didn’t necessarily guarantee that cows were outside eating grass instead of in a feedlot eating grain. Beginning in June, the cattle must graze on pasture for the full length of the farm’s local growing season (at least 120 days). What’s more, grass should make up at least 30 percent of the cows’ diets during that period. The new rules will be enforced by yearly inspections plus additional spot-checks.

Many in the organic dairy community see this as a victory. Do you? Is the Department of Agriculture doing enough to protect the organic label—or are the new rules still too lax?

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

I have a super-busy schedule, and it tends to cause friends’ and family members’ birthdays to always sneak up on me. Currently on the horizon? Three cousins under the age of 10 who are all turning another year older within a 2-month time frame.  Lucky me!  What’s more, I’ve always have a hard time finding the perfect toy, game, fashion accessory, or arts and crafts set–especially when I have to trek from one store to the next.  Now though, I’ve finally found a solution: Rosie Hippo! This online toy store has a huge selection of hand-crafted and eco-friendly gifts for children of all ages (that help kids learn communication and motor skills, language, memory, creativity, and pattern recognition, to name a few).   And if that’s not enough, they even have furniture, décor, and clothing items.  Best of all, their unique designs and use of natural and sustainable materials makes them a store at which I am proud to shop! Check it out for yourself at rosiehippo.com.

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

Here’s a scary stat: Nearly one-third of children in the U.S. are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and even heart disease. But while reversing these numbers might seem like a daunting task, it’s one Michelle Obama is up to.

Let’s Move! is a new, national campaign spearheaded by the First Lady that seeks to solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation. The approach?

• Give parents the support they need through more informative food labels, an updated food pyramid, plus tips and tool kits that’ll help them encourage their kids to get moving.
• Provide healthier food in schools by establishing rigorous standards for school food quality and reauthorizing the Child Nutrition Act.
• Help kids be more physically active by awarding kids who move with Presidential Active Lifestyle Awards plus modernizing the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge.
• Make healthy, affordable food available in every part of the country with the Healthy Food Financing Initiative.

Best of all, there’s a way for you to help: Check out the Let’s Move! call to action and sign up for campaign updates. Here’s hoping we see healthier kids in the years to come!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

This winter, mega snowstorms and below-average temperatures have been the norm in all parts of the country, causing some skeptics to declare the weather as evidence that climate change doesn’t actually exist. But scientist and kids TV show host Bill Nye says the naysayers are wrong.

According to Nye, who recently appeared on MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, the extreme winter weather is instead proof that climate change is happening. Say what? Turns out, global warming isn’t just above-average temperatures or below-average rainfall. Instead, it encompasses all forms of abnormal weather—icy cold and record snowfalls included (and is why the phenomenon is increasingly being referred to exclusively as “climate change”).

The takeaway? Eco-conscious families should continue efforts to reduce their carbon footprints. (Can’t stand the thought of being cold after turning the thermostat a few degrees lower? Check out these planet-friendly ways to stay warm.)

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Do you love lip balm as much as we do (especially during harsh winter weather)? Let us know your favorite flavor by becoming a fan of KIWI on Facebook. You could win a pack of ayurvedic lip balms from Better Botanicals!

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!

• Cut the carbon footprint of your to-go coffee cup with a DIY cup sleeve. The Big Green Giraffe shares a tutorial—as well as her cute results!
• Natural as Possible Mom tries to reduce her family’s paper use. See how she’s doing!
• Ever get skeeved out when your kid uses a public restroom? Raising a Green Bean reviews an eco-friendly solution.
• A Mama’s Blog attempts cleans the playroom with her sons, then tries to explain the meaning of the word “pigsty.” Funny!
• Healthy Happy Hip Parenting rediscovers her beauty with a fun photo shoot.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver are well underway, and while the athletes are getting gold, silver, and bronze, Vancouver itself might be up for a green medal. The host city’s commitment to sustainability might not be getting as much coverage as Apolo Ohno, but it’s at least as carefully planned out as the skater’s famous soul patch.

A few things Vancouver has done to make the Olympic Games green:

* All the venues were designed using LEED sustainability objectives. One example: You know all that rain that’s been messing with the event schedule? At the Richmond Olympic Oval, it’s being collected and used to flush the building’s toilets.

* That amazing cross-country torch relay? Carbon neutral.

* The Olympic Organizing Committee signed a protocol with Four Host First Nations (the aboriginal groups that have inhabited Canadian land since long before there was a Canada) to work together to create a successful Games. This is an indication that to Vancouver, respecting native people is a crucial part of sustainable living.

Yes, some argue that keeping a huge torch lit for 16 days isn’t exactly green. And we’re all plugging in our TVs to watch. But I think we should applaud Vancouver for its efforts, and I hear that London is planning a greener Games, too. What do you think? Good job, or not enough?

-Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Whether you forgot to buy (cow’s) milk at the grocery store, have a kid with dairy allergies, or just try to avoid eating animal products, almond milk is a sweet, creamy, and nutritious alternative you can whip up right at home. Here’s how you do it:

1. Soak 1 cup raw almonds in a bowl of water overnight.

2. Drain almonds, then place in a blender with 1 cup water. Blend on high for about a minute.

3. Add 3 more cups of water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, plus natural sweetener to taste (I like agave nectar, but honey or maple syrup are great, too). Blend on high until combined.

4. Strain mixture with a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer, and enjoy in cereal, porridge, or straight out of the glass. Almond milk will keep, covered, for up to three days in the refrigerator.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

I love beauty products made with natural and organic ingredients because they’re healthier for the planet, safer for my body, and oftentimes, are cruelty-free. What I don’t love? The prices. (No matter how great-smelling and antioxidant-rich the organic, fair trade, $50 face mask is, it just doesn’t fit into my budget on a regular basis!) Fortunately, I know of an inexpensive, all-natural method for keeping my skin clear and healthy: The baking soda mask. Best of all? Making your own at home is a cinch.

Baking Soda Honey Face Mask

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon natural honey

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl to form a thick paste. Spread on a freshly-washed face and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water, and say hello to your newly-beautified skin.

Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

With snow falling on what seems like a daily basis in the Northeast, there’s nothing I love more than pouring myself a hot cup of tea, grabbing a good movie, and snuggling up in my warmest sweats.  Much as I hate to admit, I was an avid fan of artificial sweeteners for years.  Seriously, I used Equal in everything; I even had a portable stash in case the restaurant I was dining at didn’t have any!

Lately though, I’ve been reading lots of reports saying how bad artificial sweeteners are for our bodies. Then, as luck would have it, I came across Florida Crystals Organic Sugar.  Not only is this all-natural sweetener made from 100% sun-sweetened sugar cane, but it tastes delicious (would you imagine otherwise?). Best of all, there’s a bunch of different varieties to choose from:  Organic, natural, and demerara sugar (made from sun-sweetened sugar but less refined than traditional sugar.)  I love the organic sugar the best because of its flavor and granulated texture.  Check them out at floridacrystals.com. As for me? It’s time for tea!

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

For more than a decade, many parents have wrestled with the decision to have their child vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella for fear that the shots could cause autism. This month, the choice was simplified when medical journal the Lancet retracted the 1998 study that suggested a cause between autism and childhood vaccines.

The study’s lead investigator, Dr. Andrew Wakefield, sparked international debate after his research revealed 8 out of twelve children with behavioral problems including autism had been vaccinated with the MMR shot. However, it was later found that Wakefield was receiving money from a lawyer suing vaccine money—and that the results of his initial study couldn’t be replicated. Consequently, the Lancet distanced itself from Wakefield’s paper in 2004, but refused a formal retraction on the grounds that the study helped “raise new ideas”.

What pushed the Lancet over the edge? Charges brought against Wakefield which stated the doctor acted unethically by performing unnecessary, invasive tests on children including brain scans, colonoscopies, and spinal taps. Further, Wakefield allegedly paid children to have their blood taken for research during his son’s birthday party in March of 1999.

While this comes as devastating news to many, the next step for the medical community is to rebuild public confidence in MMR. In the meantime, autism researchers can shift the focus off vaccines and begin looking at other possible causes for the behavioral problem.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

The Food and Drug Administration is fighting obesity in the country, and one of its goals is to ask food manufacturers to put nutritional information (including the calorie and fat amounts) on the front of food packages. Sounds like a great idea to me! But there’s one little snag: Before they can ask companies to move labels to the front of boxes, the FDA has to look at serving sizes.

Suggested serving sizes on labels can be pretty misleading. Take for example the bag of (all-natural, trans fat-free, baked) chips I had with my lunch today. The label lists 120 calories and 4.5 grams of fat—not super healthy, but not too bad. However, even though it’s a small bag that’s clearly meant to be eaten in one sitting, the serving size is 1.5 servings per bag. That boosts the calories up to 200 and the fat to nearly 7 grams (and it means I’ll be spending more time on the treadmill tonight!).

Many serving sizes just don’t reflect the way people actually eat. Children’s cereals may list a serving size of 3/4 cup, but kids often eat twice that amount, if not more, according to this article from The New York Times. And those prepackaged, supposedly heart-healthy soups that are so handy for on-the-go lunches? They could be meant for two meals, not one.

It all goes to show how important it is to read nutritional labels, even on things that are supposedly healthy. And nothing beats whole foods that aren’t prepackaged: You don’t have to wonder whether that apple is one serving or two!

Michelle, KIWI Editor

Does your kid love to read? Become a fan of KIWI on Facebook, then let us know his or her favorite story. You could win a pack of five childrens books!

Why Boys Fail: Saving Our Sons from an Educational System That’s Leaving Them Behind by Richard Whitmire takes a closer look at the growing academic achievement gap between boys and girls. 

Whitmire reports that roughly 60% of college graduates (62% and 57% of associate degree and bachelor degree recipients) are women.  Ninth grade classrooms are disproportionately bulging with boys who are asked to repeat that grade. As word problems (requiring quick, accurate reading skills) become a bigger part of the math curriculum, boys are struggling in a field in which they once excelled.

Whitmire argues, “the world has become more verbal, schools have allowed boys to slip behind in literacy skills. Boys conclude that ‘schooling’ is for girls, who are proving to be more adept at absorbing these early literacy demands. Boys then seek other outlets for their energy and creativity.” You can read more from Richard Whitmire on his blog for Education Week.

What do you think? Do you think there’s a problem with how boys are taught in school? Are you seeing your equally smart little boy struggle in school, while your daughter excels? Are your kids enrolled at a school that uses different teaching techniques for boys and girls? Do you wish they were?

-Guest blogger Marc Bertucco

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!

• You’re probably aware of the importance of purchasing fair trade coffee and chocolate. Tree Hugging Family asks, what about bananas?
• Recycle Your Day‘s taking Meatless Mondays to the next level with raw meals for her baby.
• There’s a new baby tub out that makes bath time a snap, says Green Mama’s Pad. Break out the bubbles!
• Excess dietary sodium isn’t just a concern for grown-ups; PhD in Parenting says many baby and toddler foods are also too high in salt.
• GreenStyleMom whips up winter salad with roasted beets and tangerines. Yum!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Last year, my New Year’s resolution was to try a new recipe every week. And I actually did it! Well, up until March or so (at some point, tuna sandwiches for dinner started looking like a gourmet meal!).

But since I at least had some success with it, I decided to resolve the same thing again this year. I’m a big fan of easy recipes, because even though I know spending 2 hours making a wonderful meal is worth it in the end, anything over 45 minutes is usually too big of a commitment for me. Fortunately, I work at a magazine that has some great, healthy recipes that are made especially so kids can help their parents cook!

Right now, I’m working my way through Marygrace Taylor’s fantastic meal ideas in The Great Pantry Challenge. And one of my hands-down, all-time favorite KIWI recipes is our budget-friendly Chicken Picatta with Spinach Mashed Potatoes dish. It’s such an easy recipe that’s more delicious than you’d think by looking at the simple ingredient list. The best part? It averages out to about $3.69 a serving. That’s money well spent!

Do you cook with your kids? Or–even better–do your kids sometimes cook the whole meal themselves? Check out our Next Great Young Chef contest. We’re looking for kids who like to get creative in the kitchen. Just enter your kid’s recipe along with a video of her whipping it up, and she could win thousands of dollars in prizes plus a feature in KIWI!

-Michelle Carlton, KIWI editor

Planet is a line of environmentally friendly household cleaning products that began in Columbia and has now become one of the largest manufacturers of its kind in North America.  Planet worked closely with a chemist to develop these non-pollutant products and meets all the standards of eco-friendly cleaners.  They sell liquid and powder detergents, dishwashing liquid and all-purpose spray cleaners.  Their products are sold at supermarkets and health food stores across the country.   Be sure to check out their Ultra Dishwashing Liquid and 2X Ultra Laundry Detergent HE (for high efficiency washing machines). Their All Purpose Spray Cleaner is also great because it is unscented and does not cause allergic reactions, or bother your pets or little ones.

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

Calling NYC moms: This Sunday (the 7th) at noon, you can attend a FREE Mama Moves Post-Natal Fitness and Pilates class at Nimble Fitness.

This event will be an hour for you to rejuvenate your body, ask questions, meet other moms, learn about pelvic floor and diastasis rehabilitation, and connect with your NYC mom community. You can bring your baby (though you don’t have to), a blanket for him to rest on, and small toys. Wear comfortable clothes, and be ready to walk away feeling more limber and more connected with your community, resources, and body. Plus, you’ll get a goody bag that includes the latest issue of KIWI!

Space is limited, so RSVP with Nimble Fitness: info@nimblefitness.com, 212-633-9030.

-Sarah, KIWI editorial director

Unless you’re a fan of the sprouted variety, you probably don’t think much about alfalfa. However, a new statement by the USDA is giving advocates of organic food reason to be concerned about the crop.

In a newly-released draft of their Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of Genetically Engineered Alfalfa, the USDA says they plan to approve the plant for commercial use. While this might not mean much to you initially, alfalfa is a food staple for beef and dairy cows as well as an important natural soil enhancer. According to Organic Valley Farms, once genetically-engineered alfalfa is introduced into the farming system, it’s contamination of non-GE plants is “all but inevitable”. The end result? Organic meat and dairy products risk becoming tainted with genetically modified organisms.

The USDA’s report says there’s no evidence that consumers care about GE contamination of organic alfalfa—but they’re wrong. Help prove otherwise (and protect organics!) by demanding that GE alfalfa not be approved. Read more here, then write to the USDA by February 16th at regulations.gov.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Show some love for your sweeties and the planet this February 14th with cards, gifts, treats, and more ideas that are easy on the environment:

• Homemade cards. Check out our tutorial for pretty ones made from soy fiber and recycled paper.
• Waste-free gifts. Our sock-turned-ladybug is a fun craft for kids and grown-ups alike.
• Sweeter treats. This yummy fondue is made from dark, fair trade chocolate, and these heart-shaped sugar cookies from our friends at Florida Crystals are greener (and, I might add, tastier) than a cardboard box full of candies.
• Heartfelt books. Get in the Valentine’s spirit with some of our favorite festive stories.

How is your family celebrating Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Attention parents: We want to know what natural and organic foods your kid loves! Help us pick the best healthy kids’ meals and snacks by voting for your child’s favorite macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, baby food, allergy-friendly snacks, and more. Then look for the winners in KIWI’s April/May issue!

Pants for kids and parents by Matt Brown

These pants for kids and parents aren’t available in stores—they’re just one of the many fun, innovative ideas from interaction designer Matt Brown (whose other whimsical inventions include the flavor spoon and smoke-detecting birthday radio, to name a few). The concept of pants for kids and parents is simple: “The idea is to make pants that the parents wear and the kids can use. A pocket for the child to put things in, a tugging handle maybe,” Brown writes on his website. Best of all, you could probably create a homemade pair for you and your kid with a needle, thread, and a spare piece of fabric. Fun!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

We’re really excited about KIWI’s 2010 Next Great Young Chef contest, our search for the next generation of culinary experts, so this week we’re featuring cooking-related posts we love from some of our favorite mom blogs.

• Real Mom Kitchen‘s Super Bean Burritos are perfect fare for Meatless Mondays (or any day of the week!).
• Looking for a fun after-school treat? Try the UnGourmet‘s toasted coconut and chocolate chip cookies.
• 3 Kids and Us makes butter-browned potatoes that’ll hit the spot on a cold night.
• Why buy bread when it’s so easy to make your own? Check out Milk and Honey Mommy‘s whole wheat sandwich loaf.
• Tomorrow’s Groundhog’s Day! Warm up with Gourmet Mom on-the-Go‘s Groundhog Hot Cocoa.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

When I heard about the bra fittings at Intimacy, a fabulous New York lingerie store that’s been featured on Oprah, I thought, “Oh that’s a good idea, lots of women wear the wrong bra size.” I’ve heard that. I know that’s especially true of moms, or people who’ve gained or lost weight. But not me. I got a bra fitting a couple of years ago, so clearly, I’m fine.

Ha ha ha. Well, I went to the fitting and I’m totally not wearing the right size. That’s partly because not all companies make bras the same way, so you can have two that fit beautifully but have different cup or band sizes. But also, I was guilty of a common mistake: My straps were loose, so I kept shortening them, which made the back band ride up. But the problem was actually the size of the band—it was too big. It’s worth getting checked, ladies. Check out this list of common bra mistakes—you might recognize yourself!

The other great lesson I got at Intimacy was about taking care of lingerie. This soap, Forever New, won’t break down lace and elastic, so your bras will last longer. (Wash on the delicate cycle or by hand with cold water) And it’s organically formulated! Yay!!

–Sarah, KIWI editorial director