MUJI Launches Cotton Denim Series this Summer

If there is one fabric I can’t get enough of in my closet, it’s denim.

With three kids, anything denim is my default piece. It’s hard wearing, comfortable, and has the ability to make me look pulled together because it hardly creases.

It’s so easy to take care of too. Just throw it in the wash, and it looks brand new again. Actually, the older and more faded it gets, the better it looks.

As if denim can’t get any better, MUJI takes denim to a whole new level with the use of 100% Organic Cotton as a sustainable initiative, a conscious move to care for the environment.

All that without compromising comfort and style. I played dress up with a couple of pieces from the collection, and they’re just love. Love. Love.

MUJI organic cotton double gauze dress, perfect for shuttling the kids around to their summer activities

MUJI denim pencil skirt, and a crisp white shirt, casual but polished enough for meetings 

 MUJI stretch boyfriend jeans and striped button down shirt, for running errands

The beauty of MUJI denim is that the fabrics are exposed to less color treatment and minimal wash to maintain their best, natural state and keep their true color and shape.

Oh, and one more thing about denim? Even if it looks great in its minimal state, it is also such a fun piece to dress up, and I can really inject each piece with my own personality.

A casual, minimalist look with pops of red

A summer in the city inspired look

Pieces from the MUJI Cotton Denim Series are so versatile, and are designed to complement other pieces to fill a mixed bag of stylish combinations, from denim on denim to the classic match up of jeans and a crisp white shirt.

That said, come on over to MUJI this month. Get 25% OFF on any DENIM for every garment purchase. Promo period is from March 6 to March 31, 2015.

In the Philippines, MUJI is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) - a member of The SSI Group,Inc. Muji is located at Bonifacio High Street Central, Power Plant Mall at Rockwell Center, Greenbelt 3, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing and Ayala Center Cebu. 

Photo credits: Camille King of Camille King Photography

Little Earth Tiddler: Natural, Organic & Ethically Sourced Goodies for Little Ones

It was a pleasant surprise when I discovered that Berry's favorite Organix Goodies was now available here in the Philippines, along with Bear Nibbles, Kiddlylicious, Carman's Yummos and Ella's Kitchen all natural kiddie snacks - thanks to Little Earth Tiddler!

Little Earth Tiddler is a kids’ online retailer that aims to provide a carefully curated product line to be enjoyed and loved by our most precious little ones. 

The brainchild of a mom, Jan, and her best friends Julia and Innah, Little Earth Tiddler focuses on supplying nurturing products for our kids that are natural, organic and ethically sourced as much as possible.  

Jan has personally tested everything on the site, and prior to bringing them in, frequently bugged her friends to bring these back from their trips, because of the dearth of choices back home.

From Jack n Jill's organic toothpaste to products by Tangle Teezer, Child's Farm, Thursday Plantation, and essentials like Hedrin Lice Spray Gel, Infacol Colic Relief, Britt Bear Mosquito Click, and more, Little Earth Tiddler's merchandise are chosen with care, and mostly sourced from the UK & Australia. 

And because nurturing involves feeding the mind as well, Little Earth Tiddler stocks Usborne books, perfect for curious little minds!

For moms who are familiar with these brands, or looking for new products for their kids to try, hurry over to Little Earth Tiddler and stock up, stock up! 

For inquiries email info@littleearthtiddler.com or call +63916-778-1978. For updates, Like their Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/littleearthtiddler and follow @littleearthtiddler on Instagram.

SM Babies Launches Organic Collection

You know something special is up when you get invited to a luncheon at Aria, magically transformed into an indoor garden of sorts, full of greens & fresh blooms:

And special it is. Because it was the launch of SM Babies new Organic Collection.

"Organic living has become very popular in other countries for a reason," say Jo Dy Juanco, Vice President for Children's Fashion Management Corp. "For us, this step is more than just following a trend, it's keeping with our commitment to provide the best for mothers beginning with their babies."

SM Babies tapped celebrity moms and role models of sustainable living Amanda Griffin Jacob and Nicole Hernandez de los Angeles to become spokespersons for their new organic line for babies.

"Organic is always best for clothing. It's important because you don't want any of these chemicals getting absorbed by your skin," says Amanda.

"Organic clothing is a nice option. I would like to expand my son's closet with that. It's better on your skin, better for the person, better for the environment. You buy one thing, and it helps so many people." shares Nicole.

Nicole and Amanda with Joy Dy Juanco of SM Babies

Composed of 100% organic cotton containing no toxic residue from plant pesticides, herbicides or processing compounds, the collection of ultra-soft, hypoallergenic bibs, rompers, cloth diapers, onesies, beanies and bath robes keeps babies snug and comfortable with no worries about irritants.

Going all-natural or at least, living green, is a lifestyle choice. Ensuring our family's well-being is not just about the food we eat, or the materials we use for, in and around the house, but also in the clothes we put on our backs too.

While anything organic is often perceived as pricier in all categories, it is great to know that SM offers affordable options for moms who want the best quality organic clothes for their little ones.

The SM Babies organic collection is currently available under SM-exclusive brands, St. Patrick and Tiny Tummies at SM Stores nationwide.

Certified Organic Pulpe de Vie at Rustan's Beauty Source

If I were to judge a skincare product solely by its packaging, then I can almost taste the freshness of French skincare brand Pulpe de Vie. One look and I get images of bright Provençal sun-ripened fruits and an overall wholesome, all-natural appeal.

I kind of want to flip open a cap and squirt the Luscious Glow Body Milk straight into my mouth, then chase it down with a tube of Kiss Me lip gloss.

But more than bright, cheerful, almost scrumptious packaging, Pulpe de Vie's face and body products really do deliver the goods, in all its certified organic goodness.

• Fresh. All Pulpe de Vie products are made from fresh and organic fruit and vegetables from the Mediterranean area and directly purchased from local producers. Which means, less carbon footprint as no fruits were transported from afar  
• Allergen-Free. Formulated with fruit water, which is full of active ingredients and whose flavoring properties make it possible to replace the use of essential oils, Pulpe de Vie's formulation is soft on the skin and free of allergy risks. And yes! Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women!
• Natural. Coloring agents are natural ochres from the villages of Luberon, also in the South of France
• ECOCERT Certified. Not tested on animals, no GMO, no silicones, no parabens, no fragrances or synthetic coloring agents, no phenoxyethanols, no PEG.  

In true MFO fashion, I tried on three of Pulpe de Vie's nine products myself, and they are nothing short of delightful.

The Kiss Me Lipgloss, made with prickly pears, lavander honey, bee's wax, olive oil and vitamin E, tastes like fruit-flavored olive oil. It truly feels all-natural, and not sticky, as most lip glosses tend to feel like fly paper on my lips. The color is as natural as can be. It looks dark in the tube but comes out to just enhance the natural color of my lips.

The citrus-y, berry delicious grapefruit/blackcurrant scent of the Luscious Glow Moisturizing Body Milk can really perk up your day. I suggest you save your thicker body creams for evening, and just slather this on in the morning after a shower. It's a very light, milky lotion. I like using it as a hand moisturizer too. I'd rub my hands together with it, and then cup my face to take in the scent. Transports me to a happy, sunshine-y place everytime, I swear.

Anti-ageing need not be so serious with Amant de Soir/Love Me Tonight Anti-Ageing Night Cream. 99% natural and 56.2% organic, it is made with a fruit cocktail of raspberry, fig water, blackcurrant, lime-tree leaves and prickly pear oil. It also contains 3 anti-ageing ingredients: beech buds (anti-wrinkle), hyaluronic acid (moisturizing) and hydroxyproline (restructuring). While I was initially put off by the thick, rich consistency (I've stopped using La Mer in Manila because it was too thick) and would only apply it on my neck and jaw area, since I figured these were safe zones that would benefit from a rich cream, I decided to try it on my face, and OMG, it just seemed to melt into my face. It was not greasy at all. It does have a slightly spicy scent, but hello, I've happily used Dr. Perricone on my face, which smells like fish. Fishy vs. Spicy? I have no complaints.

About Pulpe de Vie:

Pulpe de Vie was started in 2009 by a then 33 year old Julie Ducret, whose love for adventure and enthusiasm for life took her all over the world. She eventually went back home and moved to the South of France to do what she always wanted - start a business which reflected her own values: respect, quality, joy, simplicity and sustainable living. The result as we know, is Pulpe de Vie.

Today, Pulpe de Vie is available across France, and at select beauty shops in the US, Japan and the Philippines and remains a 100% French firm, where everything from production to packaging is still done in France.

In the Philippines, Pulpe de Vie is available at Rustan's, The Beauty Source.

Zenutrients Natural + Organic

My favorite toiletries and skin care products, all good to the last drop

I discovered Zenutrients thanks to Karrots. She had a Zenutrients Gugo Shampoo & Conditioner aka "Gugobelles Giveaway" over at LiveLoveLolz and of course, I joined. At the time, Xavi was just about 5 months old and I was going through postpartum hair loss. I know for a fact that gugo helps strengthen hair and increase volume so wow, just what I needed.

To cut a long, well fine, not so long story short, I won a set from Karrots and became a believer. She introduced me and Kris to Angela Dinglasan, the wonder woman behind Zenutrients, and she got us to road test more products from her line. Now, I have never met a Zenutrients product I did not like.

The Tea Tree Underarm Spray is so minty and kilig to the kili kili powers! Especially "refreshing" and cooling these hot summer days, it combats underarm wetness and body odor:

When I get colds, or a stuffy nose, I rub All is Well on my temples. Forget White Flower, this is the way safer alternative - organic and natural. Made with extra virgin coconut oil, essences of peppermint, eucalyptus, white tea, lemongrass, pineapple, vetiver and extracts of ginger and tea tree, it has a delicate minty smell that does not overpower but is completely soothing. Angela says this is great to apply on insect bites too:

Now that the gugo shampoo & conditioner have run out, we are currently using the Enhancing Green Tea Shampoo & Conditioner, which is great for oily hair. Dada loves using this as well, we both love the scent.

The Anti-Mosquito Sleeping Cream works like a charm and is especially great if you're the outdoorsy type.

Angela shares that Zenturients was originally called Z.E.N. until she and her group took over in late 2011. An all organic VCO based line of products that is all natural and affordable, you may check out the full line of products through authorized retailers and the Zenutrients stores in Virra Mall, Galleria, Festival Mall and Lucky Chinatown.

lemongrass, lavander, cotton mint & tea tree bath gels

herbal pain relief balm

citronella mosquito repellant

coffee body scrub

I know that the paper sticker labels leave much to be desired, because the colors tend to bleed when they get wet, but Angela says they're working on that. What matters is, the products are love! I am re-stocking the gugo and green tea shampoos & conditioners by the gallon, that's for sure.

The Zenutrients Story:

Z.E.N. started in 2007 as the creator, Gerry Villena& his family were asked by his church group to help young, underprivileged women, primarily from the provinces. The overall idea was to create jobs – a livelihood program – that would teach women a craft. Most of the women were young and from desperately poor families. Z.E.N. then began as a brand bottling & selling VCO, which rapidly expanded to other related lines: massage oils, scrubs, health balms, lotions, soaps, shampoos and the like. Despite limited sales outlets and no advertising, the brand found a strong underground following. 

In 2011, it was taken over by a new management team, led by an investment group and brought in a new General Manager, Ms. Angela Dinglasan, coming from a 14 year experience with manufacturing, specializing in beauty products having worked with Unilever, Coca Cola and Reckitt Benckiser. She continues to run the company with this social responsibility guiding her.

For inquiries, email: zenutrients@gmail.com 

For updates and more, like Zenutrients on Facebook.