Category — Up and Coming with KIWI

When I was in second grade, I won a President’s Day poetry contest sponsored by our local mall. I think I wrote something about Abraham Lincoln’s face on the penny, and was awarded a mall gift certificate that I probably used for lunch at the food court (Chick-fil-A, anyone?).

See, I was always destined to be a writer!

OK, so you aren’t impressed—and I don’t blame you. But I thought long and hard about the times in my life when I’ve won a contest, and that Abe Lincoln poem is the only thing that’s registering. Fortunately, way more opportunities to win are in store for you, readers. Check out these KIWI contests and giveaways going on right now:

KIWI’s Next Great Young Chef 2011 This one’s really just for kids—but they need a grown-up’s help to enter. If your child loves to cook (or even just looks adorable in an apron or chef’s hat), encourage her to try her hand at making an original recipe using Wholesome Sweeteners sugar or Nielsen-Massey vanilla (or both). Then record her whipping up the new treat and share the video with us. She could win $2,500 and a feature in KIWI magazine!

KIWI and Brassica Tea’s Tea-cher Appreciation Contest Win tea-rrific prizes for you and your child’s favorite teacher during Teacher Appreciation Month, including cases of Brassica Tea, Travel Tea Insulated Mugs, and subscriptions to KIWI.

KIWI Crusaders 2011 Win $2,500 for your school and a feature in KIWI magazine, all for serving healthy food to kids! We’re looking for schools with stellar nutrition programs—if your child’s school has one, we want to hear about it.

Chuggington Family Adventure Sweepstakes Plane tickets cost a fortune and gas prices have skyrocketed to Mount Kilimanjaro, but your family can travel to their next destination for free with a four-pack of free Amtrak tickets. Plus, riding on a train’s just more fun—no lines at the airport and no freeway traffic.

All of these contests end May 31st, so enter for your chance to win today. (Sorry, no Chick-fil-A lunches included!)

-Marygrace, staff writer

If you’ve ever wracked your brains trying to come up with dairy-free dinners your milk-allergic kid will actually eat, or searched in vain for a tasty party treat that would be safe for your child’s gluten-free friends, I’ve got good news: Allergy-Friendly Food for Families, KIWI’s first cookbook, hits bookshelves in spring 2012, and will be serving up easy, delicious recipes free from major allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, nuts, and soy (but full on flavor!). From egg-less frittatas to wheat-less pizza pockets to dairy-less chocolate cake, you’ll find allergy-friendly updates for all your family’s favorites. And they’re easy to make, healthy to eat, and kind to the planet, too.

Even more exciting? Last week, we had a marathon photo shoot, snapping pictures of our forty favorite recipes—including French Toast Kebabs, Sweet Potato Chicken Pot Pie, Spiced Carrot Fries, and Giant Cookie Cake. Yum! But if you think photographing food is as simple as saying Cheese!, think again: It can take an hour or longer to take a picture of a dish that looks just right. Here, the studio kitchen where our food stylist cooked all of the recipes fresh on-site:

While the food stylist is busy cooking, the prop stylist builds the table scape by ironing linens and arranging plates, utensils, and other props in a way that looks fun and appealing. Once the set is ready, the photographer sets up the lighting and takes test shots. When the food is finally finished, the food stylist arranges it on the plate or in the bowl and the photographer begins taking pictures. Occasionally, a photo will turn out perfect within the first couple of tries. Other times, the stylists will add or remove props or garnishes, or the photographer will shoot different angles until the picture turns out just right. Sometimes, there are even people involved—like our five-year-old model, who built falafel sandwiches like a pro:

The final outcome of so much hard work? I’d love to show you—but you’ll have to wait until next spring! In the meantime, stay tuned for more details on KIWI’s Allergy-Friendly Food for Families.

-Marygrace, staff writer

Hopefully, it’s no secret that KIWI loves our readers. In addition to offering up the best tips, information, and ideas for raising green and healthy families, one of our favorite ways to show some reader appreciation is with fun contests and giveaways. Best of all, we’ve got a ton of stuff currently happening in that department. Don’t miss your chance to win some great, green goodies!

America’s Cutest Green Baby What are you doing to raise your tot the natural and organic way? Tell us in 200 words or less (and don’t forget to send a photo!), and you could win $1,000 (a drop in the college fund bucket, perhaps?). Hurry, contest ends September 30th!
YoKids ® Real Food, Real Fun Sweepstakes A trip to the tropics? Sounds great! Enter for your chance to win a Luxury Included ® 4 day/3 night family vacation for two adults and two children (ages 15 and under) to any Beaches Resort in Turks & Caicos or Jamaica or a YoKids ® backpack.

Facebook giveaways We’re always offering up great prizes—like natural pet food and eco school supplies—to our Facebook fans. Next week, keep an eye out for a baby care product package from Lafe’s Natural and Organic!

We’re always offering new chances for you to win, so be sure to check out KIWI’s contest page for updates. Good luck!

-Brittany, KIWI staff writer

Hooray! The latest issue of KIWI hits newsstands today, and it’s packed with great, green back to school content we know you’ll love. Three of our favorite stories:

Happy School Year! Forget New Year’s for making resolutions: The start of a new school year is the perfect time to set—and keep—easy goals for your family’s good health.

Adventures in Learning Get outside for some fun (and educational!) thrills. Bonus: They’re super-cheap!

Daycare’s Going Green With such innovations as plastic-free dining and nontoxic play spaces, these five daycares are paving the way for eco-friendly early education.

Trying to use less paper? We salute you! Access the digital version of KIWI’s August/September issue at zinio.com.

Here’s some exciting news: KIWI has been nominated as one of the top parenting publications in the SheKnows Parenting Awards 2010! We really want to be #1, but we need your help.

SheKnows.com is an online community for women, and their annual awards seek to recognize the best in all things parenting, including kids books, clothes, entertainment, and more. Help us get noticed by casting your vote online for KIWI (you can vote multiple times!)—with your support, we could be named the top magazine for parents!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

KIWI’s next webinar, Green Ways to Welcome Your Baby is coming up! Don’t miss your chance to ask expert Mary Oscategui questions on how raise your baby in an eco-conscious way.  With so many questions to think about, it’s tough to know where to begin. Mary Oscategui is a green expert and founder of the International Association of Baby Planner Professionals.  She will explain the fundamentals of raising your baby green, share her tips for creating an eco-friendly registry and shower and offer advice on how to mentally, physically and spiritually prepare.  Don’t miss your chance to ask this expert your questions.  To register for this free event, visit kiwimagonline.com/college.

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

The wait is over–KIWI’s latest issue hits newsstands today! I’m willing to bet our adorable cover shot is enough to draw you in (we’re dedicating extra attention to pregnancy and babies this month) but here’s a sneak peak of what you’ll find inside:

• Mama’s on the move Keep your mind, body, and baby bump healthy with these simple exercises you can do right at home. Plus, yoga for moms-to-be.
• Go green, baby! Small tweaks to your baby’s routine make bedtime, mealtime, and playtime more eco-friendly.
• Family matters From creating a pumping room to bringing babies to work, these four moms were determined to make their workplaces more family-friendly.
• More The best natural remedies for your baby, fun car games for your next family road trip, and birthday parties that give back.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

The city of brotherly love is showing it’s love for the planet this weekend at the Philadelphia Go Green Expo. A fun (and informative!) event for grown-ups and kids alike, the expo will feature the best in up-and-coming green products and services, plus offer plenty of interesting speakers and tasty, eco-friendly food. Admission is $10 for a full weekend pass—and kids under 12 get in free! Best of all, KIWI will be hanging out at booth 503 with plenty of free samples. Learn more at gogreenexpo.com.

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

Live in the San Francisco area? If so, swing by the San Francisco Green Festival at this weekend at the Concourse Exhibition Center.  Check out the latest in green products and services, plus enjoy live music, entertainment, dining, and tons of green speakers.  Best of all, there’s plenty for kids to do, too. If you come, be sure to stop by KIWI’s booth (#841) and say hi to me, Brittany!  I’ll be handing out free copies of our April/May issue, plus samples from Hero Nutritionals, Wellness Pet Food, and BeeMD.  For more information, please visit greenfestivals.org/san-francisco-spring.

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

Attention all KIWI fans: our April/May issue hits newsstands today! In it, you’ll find ideas for greener cooking, all-natural first aid tips, plus plenty of fun dedicated to our favorite holiday—Earth Day! What’s more, we’ve gotten a makeover. April/May marks the debut of our brand new look, plus our new sections: Healthy, Happy, Yummy, and Caring. Check it out, and let us know what you think!

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

Is your kid a star in the kitchen? Enter a video of her whipping up her signature dish for a chance to be named KIWI’s 2010 Next Great Young Chef! The grand prize winner will receive $2,500, plus a feature in an issue of KIWI Magazine!

Need some inspiration? Check out last year’s winning video:

If you live in the Los Angeles area, be sure to go check out the Go Green Expo being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center this Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm in South Hall J.  This event showcases the top green services and products in the nation and offers panel discussions and speakers covering a variety of subjects including sustainability practices within organizations, financial experts, wellness professionals, etc.  Buy a full weekend pass at the door for only $10.  Best of all? Kids are welcome! If you attend, be sure to stop by KIWI’s booth, #247, and say hello to David!

Brittany, KIWI marketing manager

Boiron, world leader in homeopathy, is presenting a free webinar, “Natural Approaches to Treating Cold and Flu for the Whole Family,” on Thursday, January 14 at 1 p.m.  The 45-minute webinar, will feature Dr. Woodson Merrell, author of Power Up and chairman of the Department of Integrative Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. Dr. Merrell will offer helpful wellness tips and discuss various natural treatment options in addition to answering questions from participants.  Free full-size product packages containing Children’s Oscillococcinum, Children’s Coldcalm Pellets and Children’s Chestal honey cough syrup will be awarded at random to 300 participants completing the webinar.  Registration must be made in advance by visiting http://bit.ly/kiwimag.

Hello, December! We’re kicking off the holiday season with some new goodies at KiwiMagOnline.com. Be sure to check out:

• KIWI’s 2009 Best Green Toys & Gift Guide. From tots to teens, we’re sharing our eco-friendly gift picks your whole family will love (there’s ideas for moms and dads, too!). Looking for a list of green online retailers? Click here!
• KIWI’s All-Natural Medicine Chest. Get the scoop on natural remedies from chicken soup to echinacea—plus everything in between—to keep your family healthy this winter.
• Our Gift to You: A Guide to Holidays On a Budget. Head over to Moms Meet, our sister site, for painless (and planet-friendly!) ways to cut costs on holiday gifts, decorations, travel, and more.

-Marygrace, KIWI staff writer

From November 18th-21st, more than 20,000 professional in the early childhood community will gather in Washington D.C. to attend the NAEYC Annual Conference & Expo—including KIWI! If you’ll be attending the event, keep an eye out and say hi!

To learn more, visit naeyc.org/conference.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

With a dedicated local and organic foods movement, ban on plastic bags, and mandatory recycling and composting program, San Francisco tops our list of sustainable spots in America. So it’s especially fitting that the city by the bay is hosting the upcoming Green Festival from November 13th-15th.

If you’re in the SF area this weekend, make it a point to stop check this important (and fun!) event. There’ll be tons of workshops, film screenings, vegetarian food tastings, kids’ activities, live music, and more—all dedicated to promoting a more earth-friendly lifestyle. What’s more, KIWI will be doling out plenty of free magazines plus Fruitabu and Nordic Naturals samples from booth 843, so come say hi!

For more information, check out greenfestivals.org/san-francisco.

-Marygrace, KIWI staffer

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!

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.

KIWI’s July/August issue is now available at newsstands! Pick up your copy today to read all about:

• Toy safety
• Green school supplies on a budget
• Easy at-home fitness for mom
• Green baby shower registry
• Volunteer vacations
• Delicious recipes including updated soul food favorites and cool, creative mocktails
• Much more!

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.

The Go Green Expo is heading to Philadelphia this weekend. Visit our KIWI booth #301 and say hello. We’ll have lots of fun samples and magazines for you and your family.

Saturday, March 14th • 10am – 6pm
Sunday, March 15th • 10am – 5pm

Download the speaker and event schedule.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street – Hall B
Philadelphia, PA 19107

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and attending the Philadelphia Go Green Expo

KIWI Magazine and Florida Crystals have launched The Next Great Young Chef Contest inviting kids ages 4 – 17 to show off their cooking skills. A panel of prestigious judges will help to pick the next generation of culinary experts. Two talented winners will appear on KiwiTV webcasts and in a special feature article in KIWI Magazine and win over $12,500 in prizes.

See press release here:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/10/prweb1508234.htm

Click Here >> Enter the kids cooking contest

Time for a little update from me to you.

We always have so much fun stuff going on at KIWI, it’s good to give you all the “low down.”

We have updated our contests– you could win a 5-day/4-night trip for a family of four to the Bahamas! (Where do I sign up?!) Just head on over to enter.

Also, we have so many downloadable freebies, just for visiting our site. We have KIWI’s Top 25 Holiday Toys of 2007 (a little late, but always good for birthday gift ideas) and a free activity page and holiday entertaining tips from KIWI, Whole Foods Market and Healthy Child Healthy World. We also have the KIWI Special Report: What Moms Want– The Definitive Me-Time Study; KIWI Green College Report and our ever expanding KiwiKids Activities.

We update our Featured Articles and Recipes regularly. Right now we have two winter themed articles, Baby It’s Cold Outside and Keeping a Lid on Heating Bills. Our featured recipes are Quinoa Chopped Salad and Tofu and Cheese Quesadillas by Chef George Kyrtatas. These won’t be featured for long! We are updating the site soon, so more articles and recipes are coming.

Also, Happy New Year!

Each day in December, I am going to profile a different gift! You excited? Me too! Keep checking back for some great “feels so good to give” gifts.