Tip of the Week: BPA-free... to what degree?

With everything you hear and read lately about the endocrine-disrupting
chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), many parents, including myself, have decided to
avoid it at all costs. I was surprised to find out recently that one of my
family's favorite eco-friendly water bottle brands, SIGG, may not be 100%
BPA-free after all!

My daughter's SIGG water bottle goes everywhere with her; it's cute and
convenient. Now the company has announced that its water bottle liners made
before August 2008 contain traces of BPA. The company has done comprehensive
testing and says there's "absolutely no migration or leaching of BPA or any
other substance from the protective inner liner."

If you'd like to know whether your SIGG bottles contain an old liner or the
new "EcoCare" liner that's 100% BPA-free, check the color. The old liner has
a shiny copper finish, and the new liner is a pale yellow. Keep in mind that
although production with the old liner stopped in August 2008, many are
still in stores. For more information, visit http://mysigg.com/liner.

Now that you have all the facts, take a look under the lid of your family's
water bottles and see if SIGG's announcement affects you, too!

Tip of the Week: A Farm Adventure

While on vacation last week I stumbled upon the perfect venue for family fun this fall. It's a bit of a drive, but Green Meadows Farm in Waterford, Wisconsin, is well worth it! About 1 hour 30 minutes away from Chicago, the kid-friendly petting farm is one of several across the country that caters to children with hands-on exploration. Young and old are encouraged to learn through interaction with the farm animals. Children can cuddle with bunnies, kittens, chicks, ducklings and more. Green Meadows Farm also has hay rides, animal shows and lots of food and beverage options.

There's no need to worry about your little one's safety or sanitation -- this place is sparkling clean! Animal pens are fresh and tidy, and there are outdoor sinks and several antibacterial stations with easy instructions on how to have a safe visit.

To find out more about Green Meadows Farm, visit www.greenmeadowsfarmwi.com or call 262-534-2891. You can arrive 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and stay as long as you like, Wednesday through Sunday, until Sept. 7. Green Meadows will reopen for fall with a pick-your-own-pumpkin patch on Sept. 26 and will remain open, seven days a week, with arrivals 10 a.m.-3 p.m. through Oct. 31. Admission is $12 per person, and children under 1 are free.

I highly recommend this for the entire family. My favorite thing was watching the fun-loving pot-bellied pigs. And it was a delight to watch my daughter milk a cow and collect eggs from the chicken coop! This is well worth the trip!

Tip of the Week: One Last Ride

After 81 fun-filled years, Kiddieland in Melrose Park will close its doors forever this fall. Kiddieland, the last privately owned and oldest operating amusement park in Chicagoland, had more than 30 rides for kids. Parents and kids alike enjoyed Kiddieland for its nostalgic charm and unique attractions. Kiddieland will definitely be missed!

Experience the magic one more time before it closes Sept. 27. You can find out more by visiting the Kiddieland Web site at www.kiddieland.com or by contacting them at 708-343-8000. Admission is $23 for guests 6 and older. Admission for guests 3-5 years and seniors 60 and older is $20 per person. Children under 2 are free with a paid adult admission. Normal hours, including weekdays, end in August, with only weekend availability in September. Hours vary: check Kiddieland's Web site for more information.