Opting Organics

LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 15:13:00 +0000

Whoa, it's been 5 months to date since I last updated this blog! If you want more updates on Opting Organics (not the monthly article) you can always follow us through Twitter and Instagram @optingorganics and like our page Opting Organics!

There, you can find posts, tweets, pictures, reposted, retweeted, sharing or simply pouring our thoughts about anything other than organic stuff too!

By the way, I also got our Tumblr running @optingorganics.

Check it out and I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers!

Rosette of Opting Organics

3 BASIC TIPS ON MAKING EARTH DAY EVERYDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:24:00 +0000

And I thought Earth Hour is the same as Earth Day but realized just tonight that today is Earth Day! Anyway, for me Earth Day or Earth Hour which was held last month is just a reminder to take care of the Earth more than ever before!
Why not declare everyday as Earth Day? Maybe you are asking how?

Here are so common tips to make everyday an Earth Day:

1) Conserve Water - although water consists the most part of the earth, majority of it is still salty water (yeah like bodies of ocean!) and there are already other countries converting salt water to drinking water which makes their water bill high! If we save water, we save bills too!

2) Plant more trees - according to Science, the more trees we plant the more supply of water they seep under the earth which could mean more water supply to dig deep and less flood too!

3) Conserve Energy - Oh well, here's what Wikipedia had to say: "refers to reducing energy through using less of an energy service. Energy conservation differs from efficient energy use, which refers to using less energy for a constant service."

Need I say more?

Let's declare Earth Day everyday!

Cheers!

ROSETTE of Opting Organics

Photo Credits Here

What To Avoid in a Sunscreen

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:39:00 +0000

from www.darksideoftanning.com.au

It's summer once again and we really love to hit the beaches or go somewhere cool even under the heat of the sun! For us Filipinos, it is the time to show our natural color (well, at least the majority wears this skin color!), tan! But hey, Australia's campaign says "there's nothing healthy about a tan"! So we better get rid of having it if it ain't our natural color! Although some of us are fanatic of skin whitening products ( which they say is equally dangerous to the skin as well) when it comes to summer time, we just can't avoid the scorching heat these days!

Then, we shop around for sunscreens and preferably with large SPF's or Broad Spectrum creams. However, as a natural and organic product user, we need to scrutinize and read carefully the labels of what we buy to protect our skin from further sun damage! Here's a list from Organic Authority and several other sources on what to avoid in a sunscreen:

Retinyl Palmitate:

As it claimed, this is supposed to be good .or us since it is so-called a vitamin A-derivative but no, no, no! New research shows that if this ingredient is added to a sunscreen and exposure to the sun's rays, it further elevates our risk of getting skin cancer along with other health issues

Oxybenzone:

This goes by the name of methanone, 2-hydroxy 4 methoxydenzophenone and benzophenone-3 and labeled to enhance our protection against ultraviolet rays. But, this poses cardiovascular challenges and disrupts human endocrine system as well.

Benzophenone-3 (B-3):

Known as a naturally occurring sunscreen preservative and UV ray deactivator in certain flowering plants , this can potentially cause DNA damage and much worse, detected in urine after two days of application on skin.

Amino Benzoic Acid:

Commonly known as PABA which is why a lot of sunscreens now shouts out PABA-free! But don't be deceived, read further the back label 'coz it could also mean that it hides with another name such as para-aminobenzoic acid, Vitamin Bx or padimate O (which is a water-insoluble derivative), research has found that it can amplify cellular damage despite its claims of non-toxic compound.

Other ingredients to lookout:

Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum:

These ingredients coat your skin like plastic which clogs pores and create build-up for toxins. It also slows cellular development that could cause pre-mature aging, hormonal activity disruption and leads to cancer as well.

Dimethicone:

Used as a lubricant and conditioning agent, this silicone-based polymer (also known as polymethysiloxane) poses organ (non reproductive) toxicity such as mild itching, burning sensation and can actually worsen dryness in some individuals. Although it claims to have a low risk from others, might as well use those that give no risk at all!

Parabens:

This is widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in food, cosmetics and even other toiletries. They are absorbed through intact skin and from gastrointestinal tract and blood. Studies show that they endocrine disruptors and estrogen mimickers that can produce more genes causing human breast tumor cells. Safety Cosmetics also added reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and skin irritation as side effects to these.

Petroleum by-Products:

Propylene glycol, PEGs, isopropyl alcohol are classified in this ingredient. Unknown to consumers and their infants and children , it leads to risks of cancer, genetic damage and reproductive toxicity which includes infertility. (from Dr. Samuel S.Epstein, MD, Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition)

Synthetic Fragrance (Pthalates):

The book Toxic Beauty by Dr. Samuel S. Epstein , MD say there has been a correlation between phalates and premature breast development in girls younger than 8 years old and the concentrations of the pthalates in their blood. Based on other research, exposure to these affects the sexual development of baby boys too.

Synthetic Colorants:

Synthetic colorants a.ka. F D& C(Food dyes and colorants) have been known to raise risks of contracting various forms of cancer. Therefore, Organic Consumers Association tells us to avoid it "at all costs"!

That was pretty heaps huh! So, if you want to get the best brands of organic sunscreens, might as well check out EWG's Sunscreen Guide to get the top safest brands. Dark Side of Tanning says , the best way to avoid the skin cancer is to might as well prevent exposing yourself under the sun especially between 10am to 3pm. Seek shade, or wear protective clothing covering your skin especially legs and arms and wear a wide brim hat! I hope this is an eye-opener for all of us especially those who would want to get a tan and to those who are too confident in applying a sunscreen as if it's an invisible armor to the skin. After all, let me repeat the campaign, "There's Nothing Healthy About a Tan" and avoidance is better than a cure!

Enjoy your summer and Cheers! :-)

ROSETTE of Opting Organics

The Search for a Natural and Organic Hair Color

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:18:00 +0000

Palette by Nature with 50+% organic mark

Last week, I got the courage to color my hair as persuaded by some friends. Although I loved the result, I was worried of the chemical ingredients on it and even if my friend guaranteed it would be okay since it was an imported product, still, it got me worried. So, I promised to do my assignment on researching for a safe hair color and so I found Palette by Nature. I found several blogs on natural and organic hair colorants but it's got the PPD (paraphenylene diamine) although in lesser levels. Let me quote what the website says about this product:

"All natural hair dyes made from living plants using the la

test scientific achievements in green chemistry – Palette by Nature™ utilizes a revolutionary breakthrough in dye technology based on more than 30 years of research by leading experts in hair coloring industry. The result is a new, 100% natural plant based permanent patent pending hair colorant that is free of: paraphenylene diamine (PPD), PTD, PPD derivatives, resorcinol, m-aminophenol, p-aminophenol, toluene- 2,5-diamine, azo-dyes, diazo-dyes, disperse dyes, ammonia, and parabens – all synthetic chemicals which are known allergens and suspected carcinogens.

These safe and plant-based all natural hair dyes are carefully combined with natural color enhancing actives including antioxidants like Chlorophyll, Hawthorne Fruit, Emblica, Green Tea, and Rooibos Leaf extracts and bioflavonoids like Quercetin.

Empowered with pure organic herbal active extracts like Ginseng, Nettle, Lemon Balm, Rosehips, Honeysuckle, Calendula to nourish hair and soothe scalp for beautiful natural hair color without harm.

Palette by Nature™ is the only all natural 100% plant based colorant with more than 50% organic ingredients that benefits you while making your hair beautiful.

Palette by Nature™ is approved by American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) and MAYO clinic CARD Database (Contact Allergen Replacement Database) as one of the safest alternatives to conventional hair color for chemically sensitive people."

But here's the catch, you really have to read carefully their instructions on using the product and even the disclaimer so as not to disappoint as you use. I have read good and not so good testimonials on this product but the one thing I've realized is that we've got to have an open mind and patience using it and most importantly do what it says! For more tips on how to effectively use Palette by Nature check the article review on Nature and Beauty Blog.

Anyway, I am still about to purchase the product so just wish me luck on then!

Check out other alternative natural hair dyes that you can do right at home on my next article!

Cheers!

ROSETTE of Opting Organics

Healthier New Year through Opting Organics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 12:07:00 +0000

Just want to greet every one a Belated Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As we meet the New Year, more often than not, we tend to have some New Year's Resolutions and what better way to start the New Year right than to decide on opting organics that could keep you healthier and even environmentally friendly!

1) Shed Some Pounds the Organic Way! - according to health.com, this is the most common and unending resolutions every New Year. I am guilty of it too! It usually happens after being guilty of binge eating during these holiday season. Although this year, I have been trying to lose some pounds since the beginning of last quarter by eating less rice and more veggies and fruits ( preferably the organic ones) but the result is not that big yet. So, up to now, I still maintain to eat that way but I have to work on it more. As the website says, we can succeed as long as we don't expect overnight success!

2) Start Fresh and Clean Everyday! - Shower and pamper yourselves with natural and organic products like Human Nature's Bamboo Body Scrub, Cleansing Bar, Purifying Black Diamond Soap and Giga's Body Scrub. For the hair, try Giga's Shampoo Bar, Human Nature's Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner. You can also opt for their Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner too in two variants Mandarin Fresh and Lush Vanilla!

Opting organics for your kids and babies? Human Nature also has Baby Wash with chamomille, lavender and other plant based ingredients! For the kids, Human Nature has two variants for the shampoo and body wash in Pineapple Pawikan and Tangerine Tarsier.

All of these are sulfate free!

3) Lock that moisture without the chemicals! - Moisturize your body and face with organic products such as the Sunflower Beauty Oil by Human Nature. The Berry Bliss and Mango Passion Body Butter Cream is suitable for the cold weather while the Berry Bliss and Vanilla Bliss Healthy Lotion works for me during those hot days! All of them are sunflower oil-based!

4) Deodorize without the aluminum! - Heaps of researches are linked to health risks with deodorants especially those marked as anti-perspirant which contains aluminum salts or in the Filipino language known as "tawas". Human Nature came up with a deodorant with no aluminum salt. It's got sunflower oil to even out the underarm skin tone, anisic acid ( anise seed derived) and chitosan known to be a natural antibacterial ingredient.

5) Treat yourself to more massage sessions! - Time to indulge into massage to keep out the stress every single day but don't just use the usual massage oil! Be mindful of the oil that you use. Look for the massage oil with the natural ingredients. Giga's massage oil comes in different variants with a Virgin Coconut oil based ingredients plus other natural oils like peppermint and other natural oils. Human Nature also gives you Rejuvenating Massage Oil which has eucalyptus as one of the main ingredient and Calming Massage Oil for those who would love the scent of lemongrass oil.

6) Drink healthy! - Instead of drinking more alcohol, drink some organically made smoothies it could either be a green smoothie or any fruity smoothie!

So, that's all I can contribute for into resolving the New Year the healthier way through opting organics!

Once again, Happy New Year!

Cheers! :-)

ROSETTE of Opting Organics

Disclaimer: The products I am recommending are the products I have tried and used.

Eating Healthy in the Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 15:49:00 +0000

Christmas is just around the corner and as a person who is just in progress into healthy eating, it is quite a struggle to resist the temptations of what is being prepared in every party I am attending to.

So, I have listed some tips for myself with the help of some web research on eating healthy during the Christmas season:

1) Take time to exercise regularly. At least taking walks or in my case, doing some household chores. Since I usually have a hard time waking up early on times like these, I find that attending the Misa de Gallo/Simbang Gabi (Midnight Mass prior to the Christmas Day) would be an opportunity to go straight ahead in doing some exercise!

2) Choose only one (1) heavy meal a day. I have been practicing this for a month already and so far, my mom's friends already notice a bit of weight loss! By planning only to eat one heavy meal a day and just munching lighter for the rest of the day, I am looking forward to a healthier me! :-)

3) Last but not the least, be realistic! According to www.cpmc.org, we shouldn't be planning to lose weight during this season but instead. We just have to maintain our current weight.

For now, these are yet the tips I have to give for myself and for the readers as well.

Happy 2nd Year Opting Organics!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Yay! Today is officially the 2nd year of Opting Organics!

Yesterday, I also attended Human Nature Mandaue's Magalogue Turnover who also celebrated their 3rd year as a Human Nature Branch in the same way, the Human Nature Head Office also celebrated its 4th year as a social enterprise last week! In my case, I consider it a triple celebration since I voluntarily included Opting Organics (hehehe)!

Anyway, Human Nature launched several products like the Cleansing Bar, Pure Strength Black Diamond Cleansing Bar with Energizing Peppermint,Natural Smoothing Hair Serum and another variant of the Natural Sanitizer in Tropical Burst!

Branch operators holding the anniversary cake

They also launched partner merchandise of partner social enterprises whose goals are also paralleled to the HN (Human Nature) mission and vision of Pro-Poor, Pro-Environment and Pro-Philippines. These enterprises are the following: Precious Herbal Pillows, Isabel Rag Doll by Anthill Fabric Gallery, Kwaderno (made of water lily and hyacinth leaves) by Jacinto & Lirio, Journals and Noteblocks by Domesticity (made of pandan leaves), Merchandise (shirts, hair accessories) by Trese, Kape Maria and Cafe de Sug, Bayani Brew and Bambowtie by Bamb Ecological Technology, Incorporated. Each enterprise supports a community or cooperative that uplifts their lives by not just providing their means but pay them at competitive prices which enables them to strive more to promote world class products! All of these are just in time for the gift-giving this Christmas season! What more can we give to the special people in our lives but only the good?!

In my previous blog (see article before this), I posted a gift voucher that entitles the buyer a one time 10% discount if he or she presents it to any HN store when they purchase. That will not end today but on November 30, 2012! So hurry now and grab the chance!

Once again, Opting Organics would like to thank those who have chanced upon this blog and we do our best to give you more on organic stuff!

Cheers,

Rosette of Opting Organics

One More Week Before the Anniversary!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 16:14:00 +0000

It's one week more to go before the anniversary of Opting Organics!

Yes, as mentioned before, Opting Organics will soon turn 2 this November 18! Just in time for this celebration, I am giving away Gift Vouchers by Human Nature!

So, how does it work?

1) I've pasted the copy of the voucher below so that you can simply download it (right click and click Save Image As to your designated folder) print it and write your name on it, or you can just click the image which redirects you to another window of a bigger image of the voucher.

2) You may or may not cut it out but please personally present this voucher to a Human Nature Store outlet near you and enjoy your shopping of Human Nature Products! THIS VOUCHER IS VALID ONLY UP TO NOVEMBER 30, 2012.

3) There is just one small favor that I want to ask you though, feel free to comment or like this on Facebook or tweet this on Twitter or on any social media website. Spread Only the Good of Human Nature including this Gift Voucher!

Oh and one more thing, please subscribe on my RSS Feed which is found on the upper right corner of this page. I promise to give you valuable content not more than twice a week.

Again, thank you for being part of Opting Organics! This is the least I could do in spreading Only the Good!

Cheers to Health through Opting Organics!

Rosette

Organic Farming and Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 06:37:00 +0000

Organic farming has long been introduced since the birth of Gawad Kalinga and as it moves forward to a phase of self-sustainability for its home owners, it was all the more encouraged.

Organic farming and gardening in between homes of GK Dumanjug (JP Garcia GK Village)

There's a lot of work to do in rehabilitating the
GK Dumanjug organic farm

Cebu GK Villages have been on a trial and error when it comes to organic farming. This time, home owners have been very cooperative in rehabilitating their organic farms as well as in other livelihood initiatives. People nowadays are getting more health conscious than ever to the point of getting more meticulous on what and how every food landing on their plates were prepared. Thus, a portion of the society are making efforts to eat healthy and careful on how their food is prepared or produced. Now,

that starts with preparing it with organically produced food! Although using organics has become a growing trend, a lot of people still find it expensive to regularly use such food and products. This is why one has to begin with a small organic farming or gardening right at their homes if financial constraint is the reason for not opting organic products. This means planting or farming right at your backyard or even in a small garden plot or pot only needs simple watering of the herbs or plants you want to grow without the necessary pesticides and other chemicals to mix with it. Of course, we have to consider though the place or location and if the plants and herbs you want to grow are feasible to live in your area. Anyway, there's a lot of websites to start with on what to plant and grow which depends on where you live. So, better try organic farming and gardening and see what it takes! :)

Cheers! :-)

Organic Plants and Products as Souvenirs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 05:48:00 +0000

I just came from a Silver Anniversary celebration last night and knowing that this couple has been trying to eat and grow healthy and organic plants, I was quite excited since I could only imagine a feast of organic salads and the likes! Although I wasn't that surprised even if I did not find any single salad (yet) on the buffet table, I couldn't help but asked the groom why there was no trace of any veggie salad and he jokingly said, "We're on leave right now!" and laughed with him. So, I moved on and savored laughing moments with friends while waiting for the long queue. When it was our turn, I have to eat what's there and still minding on what's not allergic for me. While, waiting for our turn earlier, the emcee who happens to be the couple's daughter announced that they are giving away organic plants for souvenirs and Human Nature products for the games! Yay, I can't wait to grab my souvenir but got to eat first! Hehehe!

After munching a few of the food on my plate, I glanced at the buffet table again when I caught a glimpse of lettuce with a dip, then, tomatoes, carrots and cucumber also with a dip! Oh, never mind the dip I'm not really a big fan of dips unless it is paired with chips! Anyway, I checked my plate and it was quite full ( I was hungry, ok?! ) I asked for a paper plate and filled it with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and carrots! I felt then that my meal was already complete knowing that I got veggies to eat.

As the program transpired, the emcee announced again that guests can get more than one of the organic plants since they have prepared more than enough. What's more exciting was that in every plant, there is a small paper that guides us the essentials of each herb and one of the couple's daughter will explain further as well. Now, that got me more excited because at home, we were actually planning to grow organic plants and herbs. What I will get then will be a good start!

In the end, most of us brought home two or three organic plant souvenirs as we were amazed by the benefits of each herb presented to us and which we felt we needed to take in our daily activities.

I would like to end this article by honoring and greeting the couple who has been like my parents also to me ever since i started serving in Gawad Kalinga, To Tito Rey and Tita Neneng Balatayo, happy 25th anniversary to you and thank you for continuing to inspire us in your service as well as in having to live a healthy lifestyle through using and eating organic food and products!

Enjoy and live healthy through opting organics! :-)

Rosette

Healing Present Nature and Wellness Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 06:22:00 +0000

Free tastes get better if it's organic! Free demos are quite popular in department stores and supermarkets. Although they pretty much catch every one's attention, I am not really a major fan of those except if a free taste is offered! But this time, I intentionally went to the Rustan's Supermarket at Ayala Center Cebu yesterday afternoon to witness a free demo from Healing Present Nature and Wellness Farm's Ms. Eleonor A. Rivera who does the free demonstration herself on preparing organic food!

Eleonor explaining to us the essential of the veggie before
putting it to the blender for the green smoothie

There she was, already demonstrating how to prepare an organic and vegan lumpia (wrap). The wrap itself is gluten free with organic lettuce.

Then, the best part came as she showed us how to make a green smoothie! One doesn't really need milk to make such creamy smoothies.

Most if not all of Healing Present Nature and Wellness Farm's food are prepared raw to preserve the food enzymes of the veggies and fruits that could help it work in our body more.

Since, it is raw, it is best eaten organic because it will be like eating pesticides if it isn't and might as well cook it but there's a great chance of getting bad cholesterol as well. As what she said that afternoon, whatever oil even as healthy as EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil), once heated could still produce bad cholesterol.

My share of the Green Smoothie. Yum!

Now, that reminds me of one of our leaders also in Gawad Kalinga who is into healthy eating when he gave a small lecture on my gaining weight to try raw fruits and veggies in one month and see the difference ,"raw,raw,raw!" he reiterated so that perhaps made sense! ;-)

There are numerous plants, herbs and fruits used in the concoctions such as the smoothie but just to name a few, it includes oregano, turmeric, lemongrass, calamansi, basil, ginger, passion fruit and soursop or guyabano.All of which have been known to have its own essential uses to the body take for example guyabano that has been greatly related to killing cancer 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy! Amazing huh!

My personal favorites are the Green Smoothie, Herbal Tonic (a good alternative for tea) and the Green and Tomato Pesto which is perfect for dips and pasta (yes, with my favorite pasta!).

Two of the concoctions on display:
Organic Herbal Tonic and
Organic Tomato Pesto

I am thankful that I attended Human Nature's Magalogue Turnover and Product Launch at the Mandaue branch where I first saw Ms. Rivera last Saturday as she was introduced and awarded the Pinay and Proud of Human Nature Mandaue Branch at the Orchard Hotel. She is indeed Pinay and Proud because aside from her advocacy on natural healing, indigenous and integrative medicine, she is also a social entrepreneur in the Healing Present Nature and Wellness Farm since proceeds from these endeavors goes back to the farming community who are assisting with the farm. The Healing Present 4-day Wellness Retreat, which is a program that helps you detox, rejuvenate and start a healthier lifestyle with Yoga sessions, scrubs and more! I have always wondered if there will be a local organic farm here in Cebu that somehow is similar in some ways to the Gawad Kalinga's Enchanted Farm in Bulacan and imagine how excited I was to hear about Healing Present Nature and Wellness Farm last Saturday which led me to visit Rustan's Grocery the next day to witness the demo! Now, I can't help but spread the word!

receiving the Pinay and Proud Award at the
Human Nature Mandaue's Magalogue Turnover
and Product Launch last Saturday
with two of the branch owners
(from left: Rina , Eleonor and Josine)

Can't get enough of Healing Present Nature and Wellness Farm? Check out their website and you can also catch Ms. Eleonor Rivera and taste the concoctions and see for yourself the demo at Rustan's Supermaket in Ayala Center Cebu (lucky this mall!) every weekend at 3:00pm-to 4:00pm. Looking forward to see you there!

Cheers! :-)

Rosette

Human Nature's Organic Treat for Heroes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 16:17:00 +0000

The month of August is a memorable month for Filipinos as they celebrate being a Filipino starting with "Buwan ng Wika" ( Month of (the Philippine)Language) paying tribute and awareness of our Philippine language.At the end of the month, the National Heroes Day is celebrated to commemorate heroes dating back from the Spanish, American and Japanese colonies and even our present-day heroes!

Each of us are heroes in our right! If you think you haven't felt that heroic feeling yet..here's your chance! One of the major things that you can be your own hero for the Philippines is to buy locally made products!

Guess what, Human Nature is giving away an organic treat for heroes whether you consider yourself a hero or not! Their products are not just locally made but it is tagged as pro-poor and pro-environment as well. Pro-poor because it supports livelihood of the poorest of the poor communities by sourcing out from local and organic farmers as well as providing productive lives for their families. It is also pro-environment since the materials and ingredients they use are organic and with no harmful chemicals!

Check this out!

For more details: Visit your nearest Human Nature Store or the Human Nature Online Store now!

Hurry, be one of today's heroes and indulge yourself with these organic treats!

Cheers to Organics!

ROSETTE

Photo credits

Opting Organics Will Soon Turn 2!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Opting Organics will soon turn 2 this November! Expect more stories to share on organic and natural products! I have been opting organics by using only products through a brand that I trust the moment it was introduced to me way back 2009 since I knew the owners and the integrity they have built for themselves as partners in nation building. For the past year that I started this blog, I have written and shared the following in Opting Organics:

* experiences as I disciplined myself in opting organics even in the food I ate (honestly, I'm still working my way on it..any suggestions? :D)

* Organic products in the Philippines and outside the country that I chanced upon

* related articles from experts such as Dr. Mercola to remind us the advantages of using organic products and natural products!

* Organic and Natural seals were also introduced to assure that what we buy are genuinely organic (although there are still genuine ones who don't carry the certified organic seals)

* Essentials of plants and herbs such as moringa (malunggay), cucumber and turmeric were also featured

* people here and abroad who are opting organics for a healthier lifestyle.

In addition to that, we will soon feature recipes using organic produce and from scratch every month and a lot more stories! Want to be updated on the latest organic bits? Feel free to click on the RSS Feed Burner on the upper right corner of this blog or click below:

Subscribe in a reader

and you may share it away through facebook, twitter and other social media sites. In the mean time, enjoy reading our previous articles and contact us for comments and suggestions!

Cheers to Organics! :)

Six months and I'm back!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:35:00 +0000

Whoa, it's been six months since I have written on this blog. 'Been really busy with work that I rarely find time to browse or visit the internet. If I did, my mind would just be blank or just let my accounts on idly or regularly deleting spam on my e-mail.

Anyway, I've got some things that I discovered on those months with regard to health and organic products. Here are a few:

-Organic Coco Sugar

-Organic Moringa Tea Powder with Coco Sugar

-Organic Turmeric Tea Powder with Coco Sugar

-My experience with turmeric

-My Brazilian coffee experience and others too

-businesses with organic products

-Human Nature products for the past and present quarter!

I cannot discuss everything in full detail each right now 'coz I am also busy trying to tweak this site to reach out to the world more on the essence of opting organics in our lifestyle! So, for now, That's all I can update. Rest assured that within this month I'll be able to write more! After six months, I'm back!

Cheers to health and organics! :-)

Technorati Claim CEWRYAJ37N55

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:14:00 +0000

Technorati Claim CEWRYAJ37N55

Organic Blowout

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:50:00 +0000

Celebrations in Cebu seem unstoppable even after the Christmas and New Year holidays. Last week, we celebrated the Sinulog and perhaps the grandest annual celebration ever in honor of the Holy Child Jesus (Sto. Nino de Cebu as we call it) with a procession, mardi gras and awarding ceremonies to cap everything!

This coming Saturday, the Human Nature branches of Metro Cebu (Mandaue, Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu) as well as some branches in Visayas and Mindanao still have reasons to celebrate for the launching of new organic products only from Human Nature! There's a big organic blow out too for the old products we love!

Invite loved ones and friends now! Registration is free! Of course, for the schedule of the Magalogue Turnover of your nearest Human Nature branch, read here!

We offer Only the Good!

That is enough reason for us to celebrate for allowing yourself to use 100% no harmful chemicals and Philippine made products from Human Nature.

Cheers to Organics! :-)

THE TRUTH ABOUT MALUNGGAY SEEDS AND TREE

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:16:00 +0000

I will be talking about the so-called Miracle tree- Moringa Tree or here in the Philippines, it's simply called Malunggay! Although I have mentioned it in one of previous articles (Organic Plants in the Hood), I have not really elaborated it much. Before that, I have already been having a daily dose of Malunggay seed intake courtesy of our generous neighbors who gave a whole jar of seeds. They told me it helped inhibit their rheumatism and athritis as well as other ailments like diminishing hyperacidity! But lately, my mom and I seldom take it anymore since we became doubtful about the essence of the seeds. We promised to take it faithfully again after I have done my research on Malunggay seeds. Anyway, I have just done it tonight and indeed, everything in the Moringa or Malunggay is consumable from seeds to pods, leaves of course and even the flowers (Oh, but I don't know with the roots though)! The best part? Everything as well are nutritious! Let me quote the Nutritional Information from MoringaTreeOfLife.com:

"· One half cup of cooked leaves will meet your daily recommendation for Vitamins A and C

· One half cup of pods (raw) will supply your Vitamin C requirement for a day

· One ounce of raw leaves contains the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C

· Ounce per ounce it contains 6 to 7 times the amount of Vitamin C in orange juice

· Moringa leaves contain 3 to 5 times more beta-carotene than carrots

· 3 oz of moringa powder contains more than 10 times the recommended daily amount of Vitamin E

· Ounce per ounce Moringa leaves contain over 3 times the iron as found in spinach or roast beef

· Moringa leaves contain 3 times the amount of potassium as bananas
· Ounce per ounce Moringa leaves contain 4 times the amount of calcium found in milk"

By the way, the seeds also can be taken in raw just like we did! So, I'm ready to take malunggay seeds again as an alternative to supplement! Still, everything should be taken in moderation because according to Medical Healthguide: "Although malunggay consumption is generally accepted as safe. But according to Indian traditional usage, Malunggay may have an abortificient effects.(Ref: Nath D, N Sethi, et al. (1997) Survey on indigenous medicinal plants used for abortion in some districts of Uttar Pradesh. Fitoterapia 68(3): 223-225)"

I suggest that if someone wants to eat healthy and organic, they should start with the Moringa or Malunggay especially for Filipinos since you can just buy it or even ask one from your kind neighbors! It makes their plant organic since rarely do people (just like our neighbors) plant such crops infesting it with chemical pesticides.

That's all for now and Cheers to health! :-)

Sources:

MoringaTreeOfLife.com

MedicalHealthGuide.com

Imges courtesy of :

fyi09.wordpress.com

http://www.stuartxchange.org/Malungay.html

2012 New Year's Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:57:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

I finally get to write again in my seemingly dust-collecting blog. You guess it right! I just want to write a New Year's Resolution which is to eat and use more healthy products! How? There's a quote that says, "Don't worry about the How rather, do the Now!" So, I will just do my best then!

Cheers! :-)

MY FAVE WOMAN OF GOD FEATURED IN HUMAN (HEART) NATURE

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:54:00 +0000

I have just opened my monthly Human Nature Newsletter today and on the right side bar were mini articles about the Read the Label Challenge, How to-Home Remedies and before you can find the contact details of Gandang Kalikasan, is the Featured Personality of the Month which is no other than..(drum roll please....) Rissa Singson-Kawpeng! I don't know her personally but I have always look up to her even when she was still a Full time servant of the Elim Community and up to now that she's already the Editor-in-Chief of Shepherd's Voice Publication, founded by the country's best selling author and motivational speaker and Catholic leader Bo Sanchez. For those who are not familiar with her, grab a Kerygma magazine (Shepherd Voice's flagship magazine) where you can check out her articles in the Just Breathe section. I know that this is supposed to be an article related to organic stuff but I guess I am overwhelmed by the fact that my favorite woman of God and character is also into natural and organic products specifically using Human Nature! I have always been wondering too if Bo Sanchez ever tried Human Nature since he has been conscious on his body and health. Perhaps Rissa should ask him to try it or maybe in the future! So, I look forward to the time (that is if it ain't happening yet) that Bo will also testify the goodness of using HHN products.

Now, without further ado..read Human Nature's Newsletter and the article about Rissa and be inspired to use Only the Good! Of course, you can browse or download the Magalogue too!

Cheers to health! :-)

My Short Trip to the GK Expo 2011 featuring the GK Enchanted Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:33:00 +0000

Batang Bayani Park where Team Cebu
also helped in manning
the activities for the kids

Oh well, this story is sooo way past but better late than never!.. I bet some of those who went to the Global Summit and in my case, it's still the GK Expo especially the GK Enchanted Farm!

It's only my 2nd year that I have not missed the Gawad Kalinga since the time that I was no longer working full time for GK. Even if I had limited time due to work, at least I had the weekend to attend it. I almost gave up when I discovered that the plane schedule was a bit limited already when I decided to book my flight. Good thing, I acted upon it and moved on! At least, there was still ample time for me to prepare everything after my shift ended at that time for the flight! My plane finally left for Manila after being a few minutes late of its scheduled time. I missed more than half of the activities when I arrived that Saturday at the University of Santo Tomas almost 5pm already. My plane arrived almost 2pm then I have to battle my way through the venue by commuting only (it's a good decision or else I might not get back to Cebu by Monday). Students as well as volunteers and full time workers alike still gathered regardless of the heavy rain. I was too sleepy to pay attention to all details but still managed to bond and say HI to friends who were also volunteers from different parts of the country.

Indeed true to its name,
the Clean Ice Cream boasts
12 different flavors all made from
organic plants at the farm!

The Human Nature Marker with
HN President Anna's eldest Ariel

So, fast forward to Sunday, I don't know if I slept much but what matters was I slept! I was excited to see the Enchanted farm since it was still my first time to be there. What was I thinking! It was huge! I thought it was just a small parcel of land or maybe it was already vast for me. Really, it was a site to behold and it almost felt like heaven as we walk through the road and path walks seeing everything green and some flowers too. A mass was held to start the day at the farm and there were displays of different world class Filipino products and of course, food that were also grown from the farm. For me, a lot of eye-catching stuffs were there such as the Clean Ice Cream which boasts of 12 flavors and ingredients grown from the farm. I should say, there's another name for it: Organic Ice Cream. The two flavors I could not forget were the malunggay (which I believe still boasts of the key nutrients it gives) and the choco chili which was surprisingly hot! I think I have tried each flavor but I just cannot forget the distinctive spicy flavor of the choco chili. Everything grown in the farm were as much as possible organic and that includes livestock like pig, goat, etc. The Enchantea (a bottled iced tea also made of ingredients from the farm) refreshed me after taking lunch! Since, most of our time (Cebu Team esp. youth ) were spent manning the Batang Bayani Park, where the kids were free to do kiddie stuff such as coloring, hearing stories from Ate's and Kuya's, pot planting, etc., we get to take a tour the farm just right on time before we are about to leave for Manila. It was then that I noticed the Human Nature marker and the store where it sits perfectly enough for the visitors to see and shop.

I reckon there is still a lot of farming development to do yet over and beyond its entrepreneurial potential, the GK Enchanted farm not only makes visitors and volunteers get a glimpse of hope for nature and our nation but most importantly, giving its home owners productive and uplifting lives.

Happenings at the Magalogue Turnover in Human Nature Mandaue Branch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:54:00 +0000

Prizes for dealers and sample of new products were displayed
at the Human Nature Mandaue Branch during the Magalogue
Turnover last Saturday Oct. 8, 2011
Photo courtesy of HHN-Mandaue Branch

Riding on a jeepney last Saturday after attending the Human Nature Magalogue Turnover, I couldn't help notice the smell of chili sauce. I looked to the passengers beside me but didn't seem to be bringing or eating something with the sauce. Then, the lady beside the driver's seat was calling out in Cebuano for those who have not paid their fare yet. She was also licking her lips as she gobbled some siomai (dumplings). So, there was the source of the chili sauce! Honestly, I am not much concerned about the food she is eating but I just could not help but remember what I have learned earlier during the turnover about most lipsticks composed of carmine that produced color due to crushed insects (ewww!). Just imagining the girl licking her lips (who was wearing a lipstick by the way) while eating siomai makes me think that she is licking the bugs as well!

Anyway, that was just one of the things that I learned from the October Magalogue Turnover of Human Nature last Saturday. As I have written on my previous article, new products were launched and I bought the lip gloss in Pink Hibiscus and tinted lip balm in Pink as well as a Hydrating Facial Wash that I have been using for almost a year now since it has been launched. Ninety percent of what I'm using are from Human Nature. It has been the major reason why I read labels every time I buy something especially when it comes to toiletries and cosmetics. As for the food category, I have just started reading labels and I should say that I am still at a beginner's stage up to now. Speaking of reading labels, Human Nature will also be launching Read The Label program wherein labels or ingredients that we have a difficult reading and pronouncing or deciphering whether it is harmful or not can be searched through a Read the Label app or look up the website and check if the ingredients in our favorite product has high risk, medium risk or safe indication to put in our body. So, don't forget on October 14 for the launching of Read the Label! A chance to win Eco-trips are also at stake! More on this on the 14th of this month at the website.

I was happy also to see some familiar faces from my community CFC and ministries who attended the assembly. The best thing then was winning a Human Nature shirt! Woohoo! One of the things I like during these times with the Human Nature Mandaue Branch are the prizes and the care they give out to us their valued dealers. The Turnover ended with snacks served and of course, the buying of the products as well!

New Products From Human Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:13:00 +0000

All New Products to be Launched at your nearest Human Nature Outlet! Check out their schedules at www.humanheartnature.com

'Just came last weekend from the Gawad Kalinga Expo..It was worth it despite having not so much sleep as I get to see old friends especially those I've met from other provinces and even partners from different parts of the world! Anyway, I wanted to write about the event especially the Sunday event at the GK Enchanted Farm. However, I wanted to pair it with significant pictures. Good thing, I checked the website of Human Heart Nature and discovered the pictures of the products to be launched probably simultaneously this Saturday at a nearest Human Nature outlet in your place. To be sure, check out the schedules on the website. When I read about the new products through the newsletter last week, I got excited 'coz I know it's going to be better than ever! Natural and/or organic with no harmful chemicals? Who wouldn't want it?! Here are the new products: Mineral Lip Gloss in 2 shades, Two new shades of the Tinted Lip balm and reformulated Strengthening Shampoo and conditioner! As if it's not enough to pamper you with these new additions, there will also be exciting promotions during THE MAGALOGUE TURNOVER ONLY. So, it is imperative for me to attend this Saturday so I can check on the surprise for that day!

For more details, check out the website!

Cheers! :-)

Pro-Organics Mean Pro Environment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 11:16:00 +0000

When we talk about organics, it also connotes getting natural and environment friendly. When it comes to protecting the environment, it also means recycling. That's why most natural and organic stores really have a place to drop off bottles of products already used.

In my case, a lot has been kept in a plastic of all my empty containers. I wanted to donate it to the Pre-school program of Gawad Kalinga since I remember way back that the teachers are taught to recycle materials and make it a creative learning tool for class. I asked one of the program heads if they still recycle materials as one of their teaching tools and the response was positive. So, I left some of my empty containers one Saturday.

So, there you go, I did not only help protect the environment, I also helped in one of the programs for the poor communities. :-)

Making Natural Salsa From Scratch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 06:27:00 +0000

Geeezzz..It feels so loooong time ago that I have written again in this blog! I actually have a lot to write about when it comes to organic, natural, health and wellness topics but a lot of things are happening which cannot really be avoided and though it's exhausting yet fulfilling as well. But once again, pictures are limited too!

So, the first thing I'm gonna write is about dips or salsa! Yum! There was one time that we hanged out at one of my friends' house who served us chips and a dip. It really tastes good! The dip was just composed of parsley, lots of tomatoes, onions and cooking oil. My friend suggested that it would taste better with olive oil. The next week, I bought some ingredients and of course the olive oil. I experimented the recipe however, I felt it did not taste as much good as my friend's but when I brought some at the office, they love it! for me, it looks and tastes overcooked. So, once I have the time again to make it I'll make sure I'll perfect it and be proud of my creation! Hopefully too, I can derive another veggie sauce recipe for the pasta too!

Cheers to health! :-)

Human Heart Nature Magalogue Turnover August 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:32:00 +0000

It's been a quite while that I have written on this blog. Even if I was not working the whole week last week, because I got sick plus internet connection has not been too cooperative as well. Anyway, I feel better after a week's rest and of course, taking some medications (sigh, still cannot escape chemical prescriptions though).

What I am going to write today is yesterday's Dealer Assembly and Catalogue Turnover at Human Heart Nature Mandaue Branch. It's another quarter to turn over with a new catalogue and exciting products and campaign for every dealer and user! Due to "Still not feeling well" mode, I was late but was able to catch up especially with the "only for today" promo and discount. The venue was at the lobby of The Orchard Hotel and Suites in Mandaue City where the branch sits for almost 2-3 years already.

With the dynamism of the Branch Operators (Pam, Josine, Gem and Reyna) they made us feel at home as snacks were served while listening to them talk about the benefits of using Human Nature products which is made of all natural products with no harmful chemicals, it also boasts of Cruelty-free Seal which means that its products are free from testing on animals not only that, ingredients usually come from plants and not from animals or insects (such as Carmine which is made of crushed insects).

Aside from that, new products with new packaging were introduced such as: Kids Natural Shampoo and Body Wash with Protein Care system which is available in two variants: Tangerine Tarsier and Pineapple Pawikan;

Lip balm that comes still in 3 yummylicious flavors: Tutti Frutti, Peppermint and Choco Fudge!

For the mineral eye shadow, Enchanted Evening in wearable purple shades is the latest addition which is perfect for soft smoky look on a party night out.

Tips were also given on how to promote our products more and share its advocacy. One dealer shares that she gets customers as she applies a certain HHN product and people in her office would notice the pleasant smell. When they asked her what it was, that's the time she pitches about what she's using and voila, she gets orders! Prizes were also given to dealers who brought new recruits or non-dealers and few names were raffled as well.

Almost 50 participants joined yesterday and they had the biggest surprise of their lives as exclusive discounts and promos were given only that day! As for me, I only availed the Passion Fruit lipstick which I bought for Php99 only and it normally costs Php225! So, I saved a lot! Another promo was the 27.5% discount on purchase of new products but if a dealer' s purchase would reach Php1,500 he/she could add up and take advantage of the 30% discount on new products as well! Awesome, right? There were still more but that was only exclusive for yesterday's activity. We better be vigilant for more discounts and updates (wink!). Yet, there is nothing to lose since the products are so affordable compared to other organic goods with or without a discount!

Let me reiterate that the most important thing regardless of the price is our health that could actually save us in the long run if we continue to use these products. In the same way, we also help our local farming communities!

Excited? Visit your local Human Heart Nature branch now!

Cheers to Health! :-)