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

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

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

Seeds of Change

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

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Throughout September, we’re showing our support for healthy, organic food. Here are 9 fun ways for you to join in!

1. Visit one of the many natural and organic food festivals and fairs that are occurring across the country this month.
2. Support the Organic Consumers Association by writing a letter to your local paper spreading the word about the importance of organic farming and organic foods.
3. Host a potluck dinner for your family and friends using seasonal, organic foods.
4. Take organics beyond the kitchen and seek out organic pet food, personal care products, clothing, and cleaning supplies.
5. Learn more about what goes into your food before it hits the table by reading books that discuss the importance of natural, organic foods. Try Michael Pollan’s In Defense of Food or, for kids, Ready, Set, Go Organic! by Kelley Ann Lovelace.
6. Each week, sample a different organic chocolate bar with your family. At the end of the month, decide which one you liked best!
7. Show support for the organic movement by volunteering or donating to a local organic gardening program.
8. Help kids have fun while they learn about the importance of organics with the “Help Us Grow the Organic Harvest” coloring book from the Organic Trade Association. Call the OTA at 413-774-7511 to place an order.
9. Let others know about Organic Harvest Month by bringing an organic treat to your workplace, place of worship, book club, or your child’s classroom. Take an organic fruit and cheese plate or homemade baked good made with organic ingredients.

For more about the importance of organics, plus recipes, shopping tips, and more, check out kiwimagonline.com/harvest.

It’s not just the younger set that need healthier school lunches–many college students are also victim to unhealthy offerings at university dining halls. Fortunately, administrators have heard the cry for healthy, sustainable food options, and some schools are responding.

Recognizing that the typical fare of pizza and burgers in most college cafeterias isn’t cutting it anymore, big-name schools are bringing new options to the table. The Sustainable Food Project at Yale University manages an organic garden that provides food for the school’s dining program, while Duke University encourages students to compost or choose recyclable or biodegradable food packaging. Even more impressive, the University of California-Berkeley is home to the nation’s first certified-organic salad bar.

These three schools aren’t the only ones making changes, though. With others like the College of the Atlantic, Evergreen State College, and Berea College promoting healthy, sustainable food, it won’t be long before eating for the planet becomes the norm at schools for kids of all ages. To learn about other ways colleges and universities across the country are doing their part to help the planet, check out KIWI’s Green College Report.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Publix has just made shopping for healthy products a little easier. The grocery chain recently created a shelf tag system for many store-brand and national items that denotes whether or not a product is organic, made with organic ingredients, or natural/earth-friendly.

Seeking to simplify your shopping experience, the program was designed to allow consumers to determine whether or not a product fits their needs simply by glancing at the tag, rather than having to decipher labels, ingredients, or marketing claims. Organic products must contain at least 95% organic ingredients, while products made with organic ingredients must be 70%-94% organic. Natural or earth-friendly products are those that have been minimally-processed and manufactured in an environmentally-friendly way, and contain no natural ingredients.

To learn more about the system, plus see what the tags look like, check out Publix.com.

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Ice cream trucks are a hallmark of summer, but what about a fresh produce truck? The Veggie Van is just that, brought to the people of central Ohio through The Greener Grocer, a food market that seeks to promote local and artisanal products from small-scale farmers.

A sort of farmer’s market on wheels, The Veggie Van delivers fresh, sustainably-grown local produce to Ohio communities. In keeping with their mission to spread food justice, The Veggie Van accepts food stamps, as well as works in collaboration with Local Matters, a not-for-profit dedicated to increasing the availability of fresh, local foods to central Ohio residents.

What a cool concept! When you think about it from the angle of a ice cream truck, we love how The Veggie Van offers healthy snack options–biting into a perfectly red, ripe strawberry beats a sno-cone any day. What’s more, it’s well-known that lower-income areas often have less access to fresh fruits and vegetables, so the fact that The Veggie Van is seeking to address this issue in an innovative way is really commendable!

My only question: Does it run on veggie oil, too?

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

Did you know that Hammonton, NJ is the Blueberry Capital of the World? Lucky for us in KIWI’s New Jersey office, Hammonton is less than a half-hour away, meaning we have access to one of the best, most abundant sources of blueberries on the planet! Pretty cool, huh?

This was the first week that I saw blueberries at the farmer’s market, and they couldn’t come soon enough. During the winter, I sometimes make a compote out of frozen berries to stir into my oatmeal. And it’s good…but it’s not the same as putting a fresh one in your mouth and having it POP when you bite down. So yeah, I like to eat my blueberries straight out-of-hand (though they’re not bad in pies, muffins, or smoothies, either!)

Further, when doing some research on The Dirty Dozen, (twelve fruits and veggies that are most important to buy organic) conventional blueberries were listed as a safer alternative to conventional cherries or strawberries, which are both part of the must-buy-organic list. Conventional blueberries may be safer, but those suckers have pretty thin skins, so I’ll stick with organic.

What about you? Do you seek out organic blueberries? What are your favorite way to eat them?

-Marygrace, KIWI Staffer

In an effort to help consumers learn about the chemicals often lurking in conventionally-grown food, The Pesticide Action Network recently launched WhatsOnMyFood.com, a website that seeks to spread awareness of the harmful effects of pesticides on our health and environment.

Synthetic pesticides play a huge role in conventional farming practices, and have been implicated as a cause for range  a range of illnesses including autism and Parkinson’s disease. PAN is committed to working towards the reduction of pesticide use, as well as collaborating with partner companies to voice their collective opposition against the use of chemicals in our food.

Case in point: the average American child receives more than five “servings” of chemical residues in their food and water each day, according to WhatsOnMyFood?. Further, the website allows you to search by food or pesticide to learn what’s potentially hiding in your meal. It also offers ways for concerned parents and families to take action in the fight against the use of these hazardous materials.

As for us? We’re going organic whenever possible. What about your family?

-Brittany, KIWI Staffer

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

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:

• Mama’s Kiss by Jane Yolen. If someone blows you a kiss and you don’t catch it, where does it go? Follow a little girl as she chases momma’s missed kiss all over the place and finally catches it. The illustrations are perfect, showing a fluttering, flittering, elusive kiss.
• LIFE with Mother by The Editors of Life Magazine. Honestly, some books should simply come with a complimentary box of tissues. Life Magazine has compiled a gorgeous photo tribute to moms around the world. The photos in both color and black and white are incredibly touching. They depict the intense bond of mother and child. A few famous faces appear, but this is every mom’s story.
• Mommy, Mama, and Me (board book) by Lesléa Newman (Tricycle Press). This sweet little board book takes a look at a family which has two moms and the happy style of play and love that each mother has. The illustrations are simple and perfectly accompany the text.

With a full line of body care products for pregnancy, labor, post-partum, and breastfeeding, Earth Mama Angel Baby has new and expecting moms covered in organic goodness.  The line was created by moms who view pregnancy the way our foremothers did, as a phenomenal natural process to be honored accordingly.  Their offerings feature eco-friendly packaging and 100% natural, vegan ingredients for lotions, potions, sprays, and oils you can feel good about.  We’re big fans of their Mama-to-Be Tea Sampler, which makes a cool, unexpected shower gift.  Learn more at earthmamangelbaby.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

The rain outside is another reminder that April has arrived. It’s the week of Passover and Easter and all I can think about is planning my Earth Day celebrations. Last April 22nd we celebrated Earth Day with our list of top 22 fun ways to celebrate our planet.

This year, celebrate Earth Day by volunteering at a local, organic farm or donating to an environmental organization. KIWI will be attending the 1st Annual Earth Day Festival at Carusi Middle School located at 315 Roosevelt Drive in Cherry Hill, NJ on Saturday, April 18th from 11am - 3pm. On April 22nd we’ll be digging in the dirt at Mill Creek Farm located at 49th and Brown in Philadelphia, PA.

What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day?  Tell us by posting a comment below

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of Mother Earth

Did you get fooled today? I did. I am a frequent Whole Foods Market website reader. Today, for a limited time only, you can purchase organic air for only $6.99. Or get an exclusive recipe for toast. Very clever Whole Foods Market…you fooled me!

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and April fooled

If the name Pure and Little doesn’t give you enough warm fuzzies, try their logo on for size: Organic. Baby. Love.  Ahhh!  I’m sold.  The company offers organic baby clothing, bedding, and accessories like bath products, books and music, and plenty of plush toys.  Spring and summer babies can keep comfortable in Pure and Little’s organic cotton onesies (we love the peace out natural), while fall and winter babies will stay toasty with a unisex kimono jacket.  But my very favorite?  The Baby Fred monkey plush.  He just looks so happy!  More at pureandlittle.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

Traditional Medicinals, a tea company featuring all-natural, herbal brews, helps new moms and moms-to-be achieve health and balance.  Their organic Pregnancy Tea combines a blend of herbs like alfalfa and spearmint used by women for centuries to nourish the womb and prepare it for childbirth.  Breastfeeding mothers can benefit from Organic Mother’s Milk, made of anise, fennel, and coriander.  And all women will get a boost from Women’s Liberty, which promotes healthy hormonal balance according to Chinese medicinal practices.  Learn about all their teas at traditionalmedicinals.com.

Marygrace, KIWI intern

Change we need, indeed!  And on this first day of spring, we’re going to get it, thanks to Michelle Obama and 23 Washington DC fifth graders.  Together, they will break ground on the South Lawn for the nation’s first White House garden since that kept by Eleanor Roosevelt during World War II.

With over 55 different edibles being grown, including hearty greens, lettuces, peppers, tomatillos, berries, herbs, as well as two beehives for honey, the organic garden will be a chief source of food for the first family.  It will also provide a valuable learning experience to participating students who, along with the President, will do their part in planting, weeding, and harvesting. Even more important, the White House garden will serve to influence mainstream America on the value of local, sustainable food.  (The entire garden set up cost around $200–who says it’s too expensive to eat well?)

Michelle Obama is taking this opportunity to advocate the necessity of good food for our children.  She’s encouraging parents to get healthy with their kids by upping their fresh (locally produced, if possible) fruit and vegetable intake, limiting processed foods, and preparing more meals at home.  Interested in starting a garden of your own?  Learn all about it from Kiwi Community’s article on family gardening.

-Marygrace, KIWI intern and organic gardening supporter

I have a confession. I am obsessed with lip moisturizers. I can’t get enough. A few weeks ago, we wrote about natural lip balms. Being that I am always on the lookout for new lip companions, I feel a responsibility to continue this conversation and introduce more natural lip care.

Today’s highlight: Yes To Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter

Self-described as lip butter, I see no better explanation for this smooth, hydrating creation. The consistency is just right, not too thick and not too thin. Added bonus: this USDA-certified organic stick contains all natural ingredients, no animal testing and paraben, petroleum and phthalate free.

Post a comment and let me know what natural balm your lips crave.

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of lip beauty (if you didn’t already get that from the blog)

It’s no secret that the healthiest, most delicious foods come from natural sources. Organic Valley’s milk, cheese, eggs, and meats are raised without antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides for authentic food that truly nourishes. A family farm co-op, Organic Valley aims for continual improvement and transparency, making their products food you can really feel good about. Coupon lovers click here.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of all things natural

It’s easy to say no to preservatives and additives with Tastybaby’s organic frozen baby food. They might be serious about nutrition, but with flavor names like “Corn in the USA” and “Peas on Earth,” TastyBaby knows how to have fun.  What’s more, all the food is gluten-free, and is packaged in reusable, BPA-free cups.  Getting a stamp of approval from eco-conscious moms like Cindy Crawford, Ali Landry, and Lisa Loeb, try a Tastybaby gift basket for a great shower gift!

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and fan of eco-consious moms

Feel the difference of natural with Noli n Nali skincare line, available for both mom and child.  Certified organic, these eco-friendly products nourish the body from the outside in with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and calendula.  Think soothing belly butter and nipple salve for moms, and gentle shampoo, bubble bath, and detangler for little ones.  Use coupon code KIWI for 25% off your purchase.

– Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of body nourishment

Check out the Lil Diaper Depot for a great selection of eco-conscious products. You can ditch disposables for good with their organic cloth diapers, or swaddle baby in an eco-fleece baby blanket made from recycled soda bottles. The company caters to moms, too, with super-soft, organic nursing pads, extra-comfy body pillows, and stylish diaper totes. Pick up a gift certificate for an upcoming baby shower, or register for your own. Receive 10% off your first order with promo code KIWI9 before 2/28/09.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of eco-conscious proudcts

Calling all sensitive skin types! We’ve teamed up with Lavera Organic to give KIWI readers 10% off on a soothing slew natural and organic skincare products (use promo code Kiwi09 at checkout). Lavera’s Mom and Baby Set pampers mom with a wild rose facial mask and moisturizer and keeps baby’s delicate hair and skin soft with almond shampoo and cream. Offering protection from harmful ingredients while creating effective products for allergy-prone and sensitive skin types, Lavera’s skincare line is a goldmine of green baby shower gifts.

–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of organic skin care

Want to throw a great Super Bowl bash this weekend while keeping your family, your guests, and your planet all happy and healthy? Try some of KIWI’s tips:

• If you’re like us, you’re not a #1 fan of the paper plates and plastic cups that often pop up at parties. Keep trash to a minimum at your get-together by opting for reusable or recyclable dinnerware and flatware.

• Keep your party low-impact by offering some easy vegetarian options. Instead of the usual hummus and veggie tray, try something unexpected, like our Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Pita Pizzas.

• To keep nervous tummies satisfied, serve natural and organic snacks like popchips and Coleman Organic Buffalo Chicken Wings.

• Don’t forget to recycle. Set up several recycling bins for your guests so that glass, plastic and paper can be separated as per your local recycling program.

Be sure to enter our Super Healthy Super Bowl Party and win eco sports equipment & snacks.

Enjoy watching the game, stellar commercials and the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band halftime show!

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of sports

Your baby can stay warm in the cold with this adorable 100% organic cotton baby cap. Sold individually or in sets, it makes a naturally wonderful gift. Cute and comfy, these caps are a must have. For only $6 your baby can rock this hat in natural or brown. Receive 20% off when you type KIWI20 at checkout! Get it now at Wee BE Organic Baby Cap.

– Brittany, KIWI intern and green enthusiast

This morning I woke up with a sense of hope. Today is the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. The first African-American President of the United States. I get chills just writing this. I called my Mom to say good morning and see how she was going to spend the inauguration. She said that she already started. For breakfast, her and my dad ate cereal with milk and blueberries and strawberries. This was her way to show her patriotism: red, white and blue breakfast.

Today, millions and millions of people all across the world are tuning in to the historic ceremony. My mom is DVRing it. I am watching on my computer at work. My boyfriend is listening on the radio. My friends are in DC trying to inch their way up to catch a glimpse of the action. Where are you watching?

Take some time today to reflect with your family.

Tonight? It’s all about the Green Ball.

According to the ball’s organizers, every facet of the Green Ball was designed to minimize environmental impact. Among the various green elements of the ball Treehugger reports:

1. The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium was selected as the venue for this event because it is conveniently located just a half a block from Metro and guests were encouraged to take advantage of public transportation

2. Buffets included organic and local ingredients with vegetarian and vegan options

3. The bars served local and organic beverages and all bottles were recycled

4. All of the food waste from The Green Ball was composted at a local farm

5. Staff and VIPs were transported to the Ball in electric cars

6. All ticket sales were handled on-line to eliminate paper waste

7. The power used to produce the event was offset by the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits from American Wind, Renewable Choice Energy’s signature portfolio

8. Our own Graham Hill said he was impressed that guests did not receive gift bags, which often create unnecessary waste

Well I may not be celebrating with Wyclef Jean or Al Gore, but that fact that there even is a green ball puts a smile on my face!

–Stephanie Singer, KIWI staff and lover of families

When it comes to food, we recommend eating organic. That being said, the realities of life don’t always allow us to be 100% organic. So when you have to give up something, where should you start? According to the Daily Green, here is a list of 10 fruits and vegetables that’s you don’t necessarily have to buy organic (all the time). Why don’t these need to be grown organically? Well, most of the following “face fewer threats from pests such as insects or disease, so fewer pesticides need to be used OR have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up.”

1. Asparagus
2. Avocado
3. Bananas
4. Broccoli
5. Clean Cabbage
6. Kiwi
7. Mango
8. Onions
9. Papaya
10. Pineapple

–Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Wanna be an apparel designer for a day?

At mom-owned company The Happy Tomato, you “Grow Your Own” design when you select one of their retro-cool hand-carved block designs–and put it on anything from a Fair Trade Playdress, to an Organic Happy T, to a Motherlode Shopping Tote. Each design is hand-printed to the fabric color of your choice in super-soft, non-toxic inks which are planet and skin-friendly. The combinations are endless! (Really, what’s more festive than oh-so-many choices?) You can upgrade any piece to an “Extra-Fancy” Grade Tomato with hand-sewn embellishment and/or embroidery, and best of all?–it’s 100% washable, dryable art that is totally custom, totally clever, functional and frugal. Enjoy some creative spending at The Happy Tomato! www.happytomatokids.com

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My dad loves two things: when the family comes together and good food. I know he’ll love a gift certificate to our favorite local restaurant that serves organic and sustainable foods.

A great gift idea is what I like to call “an experience gift.” Give a gift certificate to a local restaurants that supports local farmers and serves organically grown foods. Your family will thank you later when you are sitting around the table in a beautiful restaurant that looks nothing like your kitchen.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

We are all trying to raise our families the natural and organic way. Sometimes, we need a little inspiration to keep us going.

My cousins Liz and David have three kids ages 10 to 16. They try to buy organic foods and cooks most of their meals. Their family is constantly trying to find a good balance between juggling everyone’s schedules. A year subscription to KIWI Magazine will definitely spice up their eco-ability!

With the buy one, gift one offer KIWI is running for the holidays, I can also get a subscription for my best friend Nikki (her daughter Julie can thank me later).

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Earthwise Kids gift sets from Nubius Organics make the perfect green gift! Each set includes a super-comfy organic t-shirt and eco-friendly book. All gift sets come wrapped and ready to give in our reusable jute bags (no wasteful wrapping). Sure to please any 2-6 year old.

Price: $32
Where to buy: nubiusorganics.com

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My neighbor just had a baby boy. Infants and their security blankets are like peanut butter and jelly…they go perfectly together. I found a soft security blanket with assorted tags adorning all four sides called Little Taggies Naturals. These blankets are made with 100% certified organically grown cotton fibers, pure silk ribbons and safe dyes. For $28.95, you can buy one too at taggies.com or your local specialty gift shop.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My mom cannot drink a hot beverage without sweetener. I have been trying to introduce her to fair trade organic honey for years. It’s the perfect addition for anyone’s warm cup of (fair trade organic) tea!

This year I think I can convert her with Wholesome Sweeteners. Their Fair Trade Organic Amber Honey is only $9.99 at Whole Foods Markets or a retailer near you. Even better, check their website for delicious recipes and other fun ways to use their products.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

I love buying baby clothes. When I was younger, I remember going shopping with my mom and my best friend. While my mom was busy looking for clothes, my bf and I pretended to shop for baby clothes. Now, my friends are having kids and I can actually buy clothes for real babies. My new favorite line is Organically Grown. It is affordable 100% pure organic cotton baby wear. How affordable? $22-$38 at Macy’s and Gottschalks!

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My cousin, Maggie, loves The Earth Friends dolls. She takes Jayden everywhere she goes. I know she’ll be happy to receive another eco groovy doll to add to her entourage. They are handmade in California and inspire to learn to honor ourselves, each other and our planet. The best part is that all of the materials are either recycled or organic. For $64, you can get one for girls and boys at Whole Foods nationwide or theearthfriends.com.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

My partner’s adorable neice is 14 months old. She loves dolls and reading books. I found the perfect gift for her to begin going green the fun way. Idbids! Each eco-friendly starter kit contains: a 100% organic Egyptian cotton plush toy, organic cotton sack to wear, a storybook and field guide printed on recylcled paper with eco-friendly inks and online reward program. I know she is going to love this!

Visit www.idbids.com to purchase online for only $39.99.

- Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

Last weekend I went to the DC Green Festival, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America. Hundreds of speakers and exhibitors convened at the DC Convention Center to educate thousands of people on the latest trends in the green movement. Attendees who stopped by our KIWI booth walked away with a KIWI Magazine amongst other goodies PLUS had a chance to sign up for our contests. Don’t worry. In case you missed this event, you can still participate.

Here’s the deal:

KiwiCrusaders: KIWI acknowledges excellence in school meals. Enter to win a prize of $3,500 for your school. http://www.kiwimagonline.com/kiwicrusaders/index.php

Next Great Young Chef Contest: Kids ages 4-17 are invited to create a recipe with our secret ingredient – Florida Crystals Organic and Natural Sugars. Parents, please upload a video of the chef in progress. http://www.kiwimagonline.com/contests/NextGreatYoungChef/

Great School Beaches Getaway: Teachers who sign up to receive enews on our new website, MyHealthySchool.com, will be entered to win a vacation package to a Beaches Resort location in Turks & Caicos or Jamaica. http://www.myhealthyschool.com/contests/Beaches/

Next stop on my Green Festival tour is San Francisco this Friday November 15th – Sunday November 17th. Please make sure to stop and say hello and tell your friends…

Stephanie Singer

Beyond the Ingredient Label: What’s Really in Your Pet’s Food?

Spending time preparing healthy and natural food for your family is an important concern of many busy mothers. You want your family to eat a balanced diet that not only provides the nutrition needed to live a healthy lifestyle but also enough energy to get through soccer practice and dance classes. When it comes to the four-legged family members, food selection should be just as important—our pets also depend on us for their well-being.

Many pet food companies use ingredients that, while deemed unfit for human consumption, are allowed as ingredients in pet food by the FDA and AAFCO. So, what protein ingredients should you avoid?

Meat byproducts and meat meals are carcass parts such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, bones, heads, and intestines. The animals raised for use in these ingredients are given antibiotics and hormones (which then end up in your pet’s food), and often live on factory farms that are damaging to the environment. The ingredients can contain protein from 4D animals, which is a USDA/FDA term used to describe meat that comes from animals that were dead, dying, diseased or disabled prior to being processed.

Just as important as what not to look for, you should know what ingredients should be in your furry friend’s dinner. The first ingredient on the label should be a pure protein source, such as chicken, duck or salmon. There are many high quality pet foods in natural food stores that use natural and organic protein sources, so the animals are raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones.

Feeding your pets high quality food will not only pay off with fewer vet bills, but you can also be rewarded with a longer and healthier life with your pet full of kisses, snuggling and tail wagging!

Beth Swanson

I am sure some of you have received the latest issue of KIWI. For our January/February issue, KIWI had a special “delivery.” (Ignore the lame pun!) We rounded up some wonderful gift ideas for parents-to-be in our “Oh, Baby!” green baby shower feature. Obviously, we can’t mention everything in the magazine, but luckily for us, we have KiwiLog and everything we wanted to include… we now can. Hooray!

Our first in our blog series on baby shower gifts is the Chubby Bunny and Snuggle Blanket sold by Happy Healthy Baby. Both pieces, the bunny and the blanket, are 100% organic cotton and dyed with metal free dyes. The doll is 7″and the blanket is 29″ X 29″. If you are searching for the perfect snuggle buddy for your baby or a friend’s baby, this bunny and blanket duo should fit the bill. And look how cute!

Available at Happy Healthy Baby, $36.

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!