#LiveCleanLiveGreen at home for a Cleaner Future.

Kindness is a trait parents always try to instill in their children, kindness to people and animals, and of course, kindness to the environment. While we try to teach our kids the importance of recycling, reducing waste, and more, we also try to find affordable and accessible ways to extend eco-friendly habits to the products we buy.

Unilever, through its beloved homecare brands Breeze and Domex, empowers parents like you to #LiveCleanLiveGreen and pass on green habits to your kids. Under its Linis Pilipinas campaign, the company remains committed to create a Clean Future, by providing shoppers with good quality products that are good for the environment, as well as accessible ways to reduce, upcycle and recycle.

Starting with the large packs of Breeze and Domex, Unilever has started creating bottle packaging made from 100% recycled plastic, saving up to 19,000kg or 342,000 pieces of bottles from going into landfills or oceans that contribute to pollution annually. Moreover, Breeze Powder is formulated with EcoClean technology and does not contain any hard surfactant that can damage the environment.

To strengthen their commitment to reduce plastic waste, Unilever has also partnered with ThePlastic Flamingo (PLAF). A homegrown social enterprise that collects and upcycles plastic waste to create eco-lumbers and eco-boards, PLAF uses these to build furniture and shelters for communities in need. You can join in by dropping off your clean plastics at the Breeze and PLAF's collection point in UP Town Center.

Shoppers can also participate by purchasing the eco-friendly packed Breeze and Domex via the Linis Pilipinas Sale this coming October 22-24. Enjoy exclusive Buy 2-Take 1, eco bag giveaways and other discounts, deals, and gifts via Unilever Homecare’s official stores on Lazada and Shopee, or shop at any Robinsons Supermarkets, Puregold and Waltermart nationwide to take home a free eco bag when purchasing big packs. A portion of the proceeds during this sale period will be donated to PLAF to fund the collection and upcycling of 16,000 kg of plastic waste into eco-friendly furniture which will be donated to a beneficiary public school. Now, you can get huge savings while helping out the environment at the same time.

To learn more about Unilever’s Linis Pilipinas initiative and how you can take part, visit the Unilever Philippines’ Facebook Page.

New AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g in paper packaging!

Seasoning products are essential for making tasty food. AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning is well loved by millions of Filipino households and has been a kitchen staple through the years providing deliciousness meals with just a simple Tak Tak Tak.

As a solution-providing company doing its part in shaping a more sustainable future, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) is proud to launch a new milestone – the iconic AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g, seasoning in paper packaging.

This shift to paper packaging provides consumers with an alternative to plastic. AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g’s paper packaging is made from a natural and renewable paper material that can be planted, grown, harvested, and replanted. The paper that the APC Group uses is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a leader in sustainable forestry.

“We, at Ajinomoto, hope that the new paper packaging inspires homemakers and consumers to make everyday lifestyle choices that they and future generations can be proud of. We invite everyone to join us in our journey of taking small steps for sustainability because we believe that working together creates a big difference,” says APC Group Chief Sustainability Officer Ernesto Carlos.

Creating a greener future

The new paper packaging is part of APC Group's roadmap of providing solutions that help address social issues such as environmental sustainability. Its Ajinomoto Global Sustainability Goal has two targets by 2030: to extend the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and reduce its environmental impact by 50%.

APC Group has a comprehensive sustainability program that includes sustainable procurement of raw and packaging materials, plastic waste reduction - ensuring none are leaked out to landfills, reduction of food loss and waste by means of improving operation efficiencies and converting edible waste to feeds or fertilizer, and reduction of greenhouse gas emission by using solar power energy in the factory.

The launch of AJI-NO-MOTO® 45g paper package is a tangible effort of Ajinomoto’s commitment for zero plastic waste by 2030.

Empowering lifestyle change

AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning brand ambassador Iya Villania – Arellano shared her view as consumer advocating responsible earth-friendly consumption, “We cannot go through a single day without having an impact to the environment. I am glad that other than making delicious and healthy food for my family, I am also contributing to the reduction of plastic waste with the new AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning in paper packaging. Let’s be part of the solution by being a responsible consumer. One small step at a time can make a big difference.”

“Using seasoning that is both healthy for the family and for the planet helps in shaping a greener future for generations to come. This is part of the APC Group’s ‘Eat Well, Live Well’ promise, which believes that meaningful and thoughtful initiatives can make an impact on the health and well-being of Filipino families,” ends APC General Manager for Public Relations Roann Co.

For more information about the APC Group’s sustainability initiatives, visit ajinomoto.com.ph. The new paper-packaged AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g is available in the nearest stores and official online shops of APC Group.

Winning Entries of Ajinomoto’s first-ever 'Sustainabilidad Challenge'

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Group recently concluded its first-ever #AjinomotoSustainAbilidadChallenge, an initiative that enjoined Filipinos to share their do-it-yourself (DIY) sustainability projects. The online challenge garnered a total of 243 entries. Five Facebook and five Tiktok participants with the most creative application of the 3Rs of conservation—reduce, reuse, recycle— were hailed as winners.

“Filipinos are resourceful and innovative. This campaign proves just how invested we are when it comes to taking better care of our environment. We hope this campaign further inspires individuals to live a more sustainable lifestyle at home,” said Roann Co, Ajinomoto General Manager of Marketing and Public Relations.

Winning DIY Projects to Try at Home

The five winning entries from Facebook include a project that turned used sachets of Ajinomoto products into a beautiful plastic curtain, as well as one that turned what would have been trash into a fully functioning and fashionable apron. Used cartons were also popular among participants, one turned into a doll house and another into a DIY toy kitchen for kids. Meanwhile, tabs collected from soft drink cans were transformed into a soda tabs gown.

In addition, the entries submitted via Tiktok were equally inventive. One of the winning entries turned an old electronic cartridge into a mini amplifier, while another transformed old throw pillows into new, upcycled ones. On the other hand, those working from home may be inspired by the following DIY office organizers: plastic bottle pencil holders, carton storage box and tissue box turned facemask container.

Congratulations to the winners of the Ajinomoto Sustainabilidad Challenge!

Each of the 10 winners will receive P2,000 worth of gift certificate and other special items from APC Group. Special awards will also be given to entries that garnered the most number of “likes.”

“It makes me glad and proud to see that the SustainAbilidad Challenge was a success. Seeing all the creative DIY projects is truly inspiring because it shows us how big of an impact small acts can do. It also shows us that environmental sustainability really does begin at home,” said Guia Cebrero, Ajinomoto Brand Manager, one of the contest judges.

The #AjinomotoSustainAbilildadChallenge is part of APC’s Ilabas ang SustainAbilidad environment education campaign that was launched last year to help consumers incorporate sustainable practices in their daily lives.

Moreover, showing its serious commitment to sustainability, APC Group had earlier pledged to reduce its plastic waste to zero by 2030. The organization has already reduced the size and thickness of its packaging that led to lessening its plastic waste by 70-100 tons per year. The company has also made use of waste water treatment facilities and technologies to convert some of its factory materials to reusable fuel.

“The #AjinomotoSustainabilidadChallenge together with our other green initiatives are all part of our company’s commitment to resolving social issues through the Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value (ASV). We aim to contribute greater health and environmental wellness for people around the world.” Co remarked.

Visit COOKMUNITY by Ajinomoto Philippines Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH/ for more SustainAbilidad ideas and inspirations in support of Global Sustainability.

5 Ways to Live a Sustainable Life.

Our everyday lives and our choices are critical to the environment, climate change, and future generations. For example, what we eat, drink, clothing, and the number of kids we choose to have has a significant effect on the environment.

Mostly, the conscious and deliberate effort you make now about how to shop, limit water usage, and travel is a matter of life to every living thing on the planet, including animals and plants. It is all about living sustainably, and here is how.

Recycling bins in South Korea.
Yoo Na in Prime Minister and I (2013).

1. Reuse and Recycle More Than Ever Before

While the current consumerism culture is all about shopping, and more shopping, you can break the cycle by reducing, reusing, and recycling most stuff you use. Again everything we purchase has a substantial environmental footprint. And so, before you make that purchase, ask yourself whether it is necessary.

Think of those massive, heavily advertised baby products that take years to decompose. Then, of course, choose only eco-friendly baby products, most of which you can reuse and recycle.

Most environmentally-conscious companies and individuals are now boycotting any product that endangers the soil or even wildlife, and it would be good to take the cue. The good news is that you do not even have to buy some of these products. Instead, you can DIY some of the stuff you use at home.

2. Use Less Energy to Reduce Carbon Emissions

Carbon emissions have a destructive effect on the environment, and it takes a conscious and strong mind to break the pattern. So how do you do it? To start, be sure to turn off appliances when not in use. Minimize their use, and turn down all heating as much as you can.

Generally, keeping your home green at every turn, including maintaining your home and car, improves energy use and efficiency. Once you opt for those energy-saving lights, you will be a step ahead in reducing the harm. And lastly, the more outdoors you get, the more your home becomes energy efficient too.

Jung Hae in for Volvo Korea.

3. Changing Your Driving Habits

Even though driving has become essential in the modern world, you can limit your trips or use a more friendly means of transport to reduce the carbon footprint. Let’s say, whenever possible, walk or bike. These car-free days are hugely beneficial to your budget, health, and environment.

There are several other ways to reduce your car use even when you have to travel longer distances. Those mass transit services such as bus or train systems available in your location are a perfect option. You can even opt for carpool or vanpool services, and that will be way better than if you were to use your car daily.

4. Check the Product Certification Before You Buy 

Now, most echo products coming from all corners of the globe have fair-trade certification. So, whenever you pick your coffee, tea, or fruit, check if the product has that label. It is an indication that it has been produced using sustainable farming methods.

But doing so also means doing loads of good, not just to the environment but to the local farmers, knowing that they have had the proper compensation for their sweat. While buying organic products may be a bit costlier, the accompanying benefits surpass your money concerns.

Organic means the farms, water, and final products are free from those harmful pesticides. Everything you consume is now clean, and you do not have to worry about its negative impact on your health.

One of the many tote bags worn by Gong Hyo Jin in The Master's Sun (2013).

5. Go as Plastic-Free as You Can

Plastic is virtually everywhere, and eliminating it hasn’t been so easy. Massive amounts of it have found a home on the world’s water mass, causing massive harm to aquatic life. Still, you can make a personal effort to keep off plastics and eventually cut off the waste with reusable shopping bags and water bottles.

You can always ditch any product wrapped with plastic, and if possible, purchase unwrapped goods at your local grocery store. While you may think your action is insignificant, it just takes your single action to change the world and save future generations.

Conclusion

Living a sustainable life will require some lifestyle adjustments on your part. These might be challenging to adapt initially, but once you get used to them, life becomes even more fulfilling. If you haven’t yet joined the movement, why not start today to enjoy sustainability.

Pucker Up! | Human Heart Nature Made to Bloom Lipstick.

Human Heart Nature has just launched a bunch of new products, and I'm super stoked because they've also released a new line of lip colors! I wasn't able to attend the launch party at Human Heart Nature Laguna last Saturday, but I did drop by the store the other day so I could check out the new lippies.

Human Heart Nature Made to Bloom Lipstick.

Introducing the Human Heart Nature Made to Bloom collection - the brand's first-ever line of matte lipsticks.

Human Heart Nature's first line of matte lippies.

Formulated with the goodness of cocoa butter and passionfruit oil, these Made to Bloom lipsticks give your lips a gorgeous wash of color without the drying feel. They go on creamy and stay on feeling soft and comfortable on your lips.

All five shades of the Human Heart Nature Made to Bloom collection.

The collection features five flattering nude shades, each designed to suit any skin tone. These beautifully-pigmented MLBB (that's 'My Lips But Better' in case you haven't heard of this trend yet) colors can be worn sheer for a more natural effect, but you can add a few more coats for more intensity.

Lovely shade names - Grace, Wisdom, Strength, Warmth, and Joy.

With its non-drying, nourishing formula, the Made to Bloom lipsticks do not cling to dry patches or accentuate the fine lines on your lips. However, the color does fade after a few hours and you need to touch-up after a meal or a cup of coffee.

Product info and ingredients list on the box.

Adhering with the brand's sustainability campaign, the lipstick tubes are made with paper and less plastic, each designed with dainty floral illustrations. The lipsticks are made with natural ingredients (but of course, it's Human Heart Nature after all), and are not tested on animals.

Here's how the shades look like when swatched.

From L-R: Grace, Wisdom, Strength, Warmth, Joy.

Grace is a pink-based nude; Wisdom is a soft, peachy tan; Strength is a rich shade of chestnut brown; Warmth is a muted shade of brick red (more like terracotta to me); and Joy is a rosy peach nude.

From L-R: Grace, Wisdom, Strength, Warmth, Joy.

According to my friends at Human Heart Nature Laguna, their best-selling shade by far is Strength. The color is gorgeous when swatched, but it kinda washes out my face when worn. I look even more pale with Wisdom - like I'm down with the flu or something.

Strength, when worn.

The three remaining shades are the ones more suitable for my skin tone.

Grace, when worn.

Grace looks very natural on me, while Warmth adds depth to my natural lip tone. 

Warmth, when worn.

Joy, as my namesake suggests, is such a joy to wear as it enhances the color of my lips and brightens up my face. Among the five shades, this one is my favorite.

Joy, when worn.

If you're still on the hunt for that perfect MLBB lipstick, I suggest you check out these Made to Bloom lipsticks from Human Heart Nature. They're now available online and at Human Heart Nature branches nationwide, and they retail for Php 495 a pop. You can even get them at a discounted price if you're a registered Human Heart Nature member. :)

How to Control the Collection of Pests in Your Home.

Children love to collect things as a hobby and it's a fun thing to do. It might be just rocks, seashells, or stickers, but it gives them so much satisfaction. The good part is that they learn certain skills through their collection such as personal responsibility, organization, social skills, and reading skills among others.

The downside to engaging in this activity is that they are susceptible to collecting pests that can be quite hazardous. When they do this, collecting ceases to be fun and becomes a dangerous affair, and you naturally begin to worry. However, you do not need to worry as Moxie Pest Control companies can sort it out.

Pests can destroy the peace of the family by causing diseases and allergens. They can contribute to frequent visits to the hospital and spending of millions of dollars in healthcare and pest management. So as a parent what can you do to get rid of bugs in your home?

Here are a few tips:

Prime Minister and I, 2013.

1. Secure the perimeter
Get to know what pests get attracted to and prevent them from entering the home. A garbage can left open can easily attract rodents, flies, and ants. Ensure that the garbage can is closed or is emptied regularly.

Decaying leaves have the potential to attract ants and millipedes. Stagnant water around the home can be a breeding area for mosquitoes and termites. You can ensure that you dispose of any sitting water to avoid the stress that comes with having mosquitoes in the home. In addition to this, you can also cut long grass within the vicinity of your house.

Always ensure that you seal off any cracks in the walls or floors. You can do this by using steel wool or caulk. You can also do a regular checkup in your attic to keep away pests that are likely to hide there, such as rats.

Legend of the Blue Sea, 2016.

2. Watch where you go
It is essential to be careful who you visit or the places that you go. Pests can always invade your home, even if you take precautions to keep them out. They can easily get into your home in different ways.

For example, you visit a store that has a problem with cockroaches. You could carry an insect in your bag back home. You might carry bedbugs from a hotel stay or even buy furniture that has termites and pests from a yard sale. Chances of getting pests in your home are very high. You could ask the children to check their clothing or collections to ensure that they do not carry these insects into the house.

Take precautions when you come back from a visit away from home. You could shower and do an examination to get rid of ticks. Simple procedures can help you to get rid of pests, such as laying traps for them and vacuuming the house. However, you must know what these procedures entail. Speak to a professional, such as Moxie Pest Control, who will be better placed to answer a question and advice accordingly.

The Greatest Love, 2011.

3. Keep your kitchen clean
Store food in tight containers to prevent pests from contaminating it. Avoid spills that can attract pests, such as flies.

Before embarking on using pesticides, you could try keeping pests away using chemical-free ways. Here are a few suggestions to help you out:

•To get rid of ants, sprinkle an unbroken trail of black pepper or Cayenne across their path.

•Keep cockroaches away by keeping the ends of cucumber in the cupboards. You could also use repellants, such as dried pyrethrum and vanilla beads. One other quick way to kill them is to use a heat gun that burns their wings and flushes them from their hiding areas.

•Steel wool can work for a mouse. What you do with it is to seal any crack on the wall or floor using steel wool, as a mouse cannot chew through it.

•Bedbugs can be bothersome as they tend to be tough to get rid of. Always inspect your home for a black stain that they tend to leave behind. They are attracted to body odors and can easily hide in piles of clothes waiting to be washed. You can air your beddings and change them regularly to prevent them from breeding.

You can enlist the help of a professional, as an end result, to help you control pests in your home. They tend to be more knowledgeable on how to return sanity in your home through pest control management.

5 Ways to Make Your Workplace Eco-Friendly.

Saving the environment may not be the top priority on your mind when you clock in to start a work shift, but there are numerous ways you can put in minimal effort and make a big difference for future generations and the Earth. The decisions made in an office setting may not seem key to the survival of our environment in the long term, but in reality, simple changes can go a long way toward saving our environment one piece at a time.

Photo credit: Pop Sugar.

1. Optimize Energy Settings on Your Computer
Energy saving settings, as opposed to standby settings, draw less power when you are leaving for the day. Cutting down on power usage can make a significant difference for the environment. In addition, it is important to remember to turn off lights in rooms that aren’t in use.

2. Buy Recycled Printer Paper
Creating paper uses a lot of resources. When you choose a paper that is recycled, opt for one that uses minimal chlorine bleach and a high percentage of post-consumer content. This reduces the impact on the environment as well. Recycled paper allows the opportunity to keep trees in our forests, which leaves more trees to create oxygen and cut down on the erosion that occurs when tree roots are withdrawn from areas, causing unstable land surfaces.

Photo credit: Kitchen Nine.

3. Use Reusable Containers to Bring Your Lunch
When it comes to the environment, using reusable containers cuts down on plastic use. That means instead of contributing to the plastic use, 50-percent of which is a single use and then thrown away, you can reduce our plastic waste - roughly 10-percent of the total waste humans generate.

4. Use Recycled Envelopes, Pencils and Pens
Recycled office products can go a long way toward minimizing the work footprint on our Earth. The chance to use recycled envelopes, pencils and pens means less trees are cut and less refuse entering the landfill. These products give new life to used products, which is a two-fold benefit.

5. Think of the Environment with Cleaning Supplies
Biodegradable soaps and cleaners are also a smart move to make work more eco-friendly. The soaps in the bathroom or breakroom to wash one’s hands are as important as the cleaners used by the custodial staff. Act accordingly and encourage your employer to seek out biodegradable options that still clean effectively.

Photo credit: Human Heart Nature.

Chemicals are a significant issue for our environment, as they pollute groundwater and kill off various species. Like plastic, the dangers in chemical use are long-term and widely noted. The ability to decrease the use of chemicals that don’t biodegrade can give our environment a chance to survive for a longer period.

Along with the above-noted options is the fact that transporting lunch and items necessary for work should be done in reusable bags. When it comes to your lunch, if you want to keep it cool and be inspired to use the bag on a regular basis, opt for printed cooler bags that look great, keep your lunch cool and are sturdy enough to use for years to come.

Make Home Cleaners with the Kids This Summer.

You have two tasks this summer, keep the kids busy and keep the house clean. Probably not always in that order. Why not keep the kids busy by creating a fun, sensory engaging activity that also helps keep the house clean? You know that sounds great!

Want to know what makes it sound better? They will all be green home cleaning products!

You’re going to have the kids make home cleaners that aren’t filled with harsh chemicals. Occupied kids. Clean house. No killer chemicals. Mom scores with the summer hat trick!

Get the spray bottles ready and the kids lined up on the patio table. It’s time to make some green home cleaning products, Portland style. Here are our three favorite greenhouse cleaners the kids can help make.

Busy as a bee!

Peppermint Shower Spray
Peppermint shower spray is a natural cleaner that fights icky shower mildew and shower scum. Once you have the mixture, keep a bottle in every shower and spray it down after use. You’ll love the lingering smell and feel great about keeping the shower clean without much effort.

To make the peppermint shower spray, you’ll need rubbing alcohol, water and peppermint essential oil. (If they kids aren’t helping you, feel free to substitute the rubbing alcohol for vodka; it works better and you can take a swig as needed.)

Mix 1 cup of water with ½ cup of rubbing alcohol. Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Put it in the spray bottle. Shake to mix. That is it!

Disinfectant Cleaner
With the shower becoming such a happy spot in the house because of the new cleaning spray, you’ll want to expand to have the entire house clean with happy smells. This disinfectant cleaner is all-natural but truly does kill off germs.

Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar with ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol. Add 1¼ cups of water. Then add 15 drops of peppermint and lemon essential oils.

Again, vodka can be substituted for rubbing alcohol and lavender can be substituted for lemon. Add actual lemon rinds to the mixture for added effect.

To use the disinfecting cleaner, spray surfaces, allow it to sit for 10 minutes and then wipe away. For best results, us a microfiber cloth.

Note: This spray is not for granite or marble. The vinegar may actually etch the surface of these stones.

Stainless Steel Polish
If you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on that fancy stainless steel cleaning solution, here is a cost-effective solution that really works too. And the ingredients are almost always in stock in the kitchen, because you really only need two things: olive oil and paper towels.

Rather than have the kids make this, challenge them to see who can get a better reflection in the refrigerator door.

Simply put a quarter-sized dab on a folded paper towel. Allow it to soak into the paper towel and then start at the top of the stainless steel appliance, applying the oil with the grain of the stainless steel. Work from left to right.

Once you’ve applied the olive oil to the entire appliance, rub away any excess. Buff out the finish with a paper towel or use a microfiber towel for a real sharp shine on the stainless steel.

For the days when the kids are busy at the pool, let the professionals do the dirty work. Get an estimate now for the best green house cleaning service in Portland.

Spotlight | Apicuria Natural Oral Spray.

It's officially the rainy season here in the Philippines, but for the past few days we've been experiencing nothing but the blazing sun and the scorching heat. Last weekend, however, was a totally different story. It rained non-stop, with thunder, lightning, and all. It's this extreme weather conditions that I'm always wary of, because it's times like these when Yue and I would often end up with a cough, sore throat, or a bad case of the sniffles.

Apicuria Natural Oral Spray.

Thankfully, I came across this product - the Apicuria Natural Oral Spray - which can relieve such minor ailments. Dubbed as a'natural throat soother', this oral spray is made with honey, propolis, and a variety of herbs such as mint, calamansi, licorice root, marshamallow root, and perilla seed.

Product description and ingredients.

It's manufactured by The BeEmpire Inc., a social enterprise which advocates beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood and gives credence to apitherapy or the use of honey bee products as alternative medicine. ('Api' is the scientific name for honey bee.)

Usage directions and expiry date.

The use of honey as medicine is nothing new. It actually dates back to the ancient civilization, when the Egyptians would use it to treat wounds or even as an embalming fluid for their mummies. The antibacterial property of honey has been proven by modern medicine, thus making it one of the most potent and most natural antibiotic.

Made with honey + propolis + herbs.

Similarly, the bee byproduct propolis has also been used for centuries to fight off infection caused by bacteria and to treat minor wounds. It also helps in boosting the immune system and hasten the healing of wounds.

Hexagonal box.

The Apicuria Natural Oral Spray is packaged in a hexagonal box, a reference to the shape of the honeycomb. The spray itself is housed in a 12 mL plastic bottle which comes with an easy-to-pump nozzle. Its handy and compact packaging makes it ideal for travelers and even frequent flyers.

Handy 12 mL bottle.

To use, simply spray 2 to 3 pumps on the throat, mouth, or affected areas (think canker sores, commonly known in Tagalog as 'singaw') 3 times a day or as needed, preferably after meals.

The same text on the box are also printed on the bottle.

I love the instant relief that I get from Apicuria whenever my throat feels scratchy, or when I feel like I'm about to catch a cold. It tastes sweet, just as honey should, with a hint of mint and citrus.

The nozzle.

But how I wish I had discovered this prior to our last trip to South Korea! You see, Yue got sick during our final week in Seoul. He had tonsilitis, which eventually led to three days of fever AND a trip to the doctor. Had I known about Apicuria earlier, we could have alleviated his sore throat then.

Spritzed it once on my palm, just to see what I'm spraying inside my mouth. :)

Definitely bringing a bottle or two of the Apicuria Natural Oral Spray next time we fly! This little wonder worker has earned a spot in my Seoul survival kit and my daily travel kit. There's actually a bottle sitting inside my purse as of this writing. :)

The Apicuria Natural Oral Spray retails at Php 299 per bottle. Available at the Human Heart Nature online store, Human Heart Nature branches nationwide, and through the Apicuria official Facebook page.

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Sunflower Lip Miracle.

A few weeks ago, Human Heart Nature released the newest issue of their magalogue (that's magazine-slash-catalogue) and launched new makeup, lip care and skincare products. I was not able to attend the said event as I was still in Korea that time, but the avid Human Heart Nature advocate that I am made it a point to visit the Laguna branch a few days after my return to the Philippines. I may have missed the launch party, but I definitely will not miss out on trying the new products - especially this Sunflower Lip Miracle.

Human Heart Nature Sunflower Lip Miracle.

Housed in a handy, 10-gram squeezable tube, the Sunflower Lip Miracle promises 'sensationally soft and healthy-looking lips' and based on my experience, it does just that. Not surprising, as this product is made with beeswax and castor oil (both with skin softening and nourishing properties) and sunflower oil which has 44x more Vitamin E than cocoa butter, another common ingredient for lip balms and other lip care products.

Product description and ingredients at the back of the tube.

The Sunflower Lip Miracle can be used two ways: 1) as a gloss to make your lips look fuller and to give it a moist sheen; 2) or as an overnight lip mask for a more intense, deeper conditioning especially on days when your lips are extra dry to the point of chapping.

Easy to swipe!

For the past few days nights, I've been swiping this on my lips before going to bed and have been enjoying the benefits since then - waking up to soft, supple lips, pesky lip lines kept at bay. My son, whose lips seem to be perennially parched, has also been using this as on overnight mask and since then, his lips no longer look parched and dry. 

Sunflower Lip Miracle, swatched.

Both of us love the cooling sensation of this Peppermint variant, but if you prefer something fruity, I suggest you try the Peach variant. Both 'flavors' sell for Php 199.75 and are sold online and at Human Heart Nature branches nationwide.

Fits my palm! :)

They say good things come in small packages and Human Heart Nature's Sunflower Lip Miracle is just that - a lip saviour in a pocket-sized tube. 

Before - dry lips, prominent lip lines.

After - moisturized lips, what lip lines? :)

For even better results, exfoliate with the Human Heart Nature Lip Scrub twice a week. :)