Spotlight | Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Kids Bath Soap.

If there's one loyal Human Heart Nature user in this household aside from me, it's my little man. He's been using Human Heart Nature products since 2009 - exactly a week after he turned one. He's turning five next month, which means he's been using nothing but organic products for the past four years!

One of his favorites from the brand is the Kids Natural Shampoo, which he fondly calls 'yummy shampoo'. Now he has a 'yummy soap' - aptly named 'Chocolate Adventure' - to go with it.

Get ready for some Chocolate Adventure! 

This is the all-new, 100% Natural Kids Bath Soap, which was included in the box of goodies sent to me by GK Inc. It comes in a cute and colorful box, which immediately caught the little man's attention as soon as he spotted this in the package.

100% Natural, Biodegradable, Cruelty-free.

What I like about this soap, (and with Human Heart Nature products in general) is that it contains none of those chemicals that can do more harm than good to a child's sensitive skin.

Looks like a chocolate bar!

There are no harmful synthetic surfactants (like SLS or SLES) in this product; instead, it has natural cleaning agents such as coconut oil and sodium hydroxide (lye) that remove dirt and grime. It also contains sugarcane-derived sodium lactate and sodium gluconate that keep your child’s skin from drying unlike most chemical soaps. It's also formulated with plant-derived decyl glucoside for a foamy lather, and to make bath time more fun for the little ones.

It's 120 grams; about 8cm wide and 2.5 cm thick.

Oh, and this soap smells heavenly, too! Like a freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie, which my little man loves.

Bits and pieces of 'chocolate'.

What I love:

- Cute packaging.

- Sweet, chocolatey scent.

- Made with all-natural ingredients.

- Contains no harmful chemicals.

- Keeps the skin soft, smooth, and moisturized.

- Safe for sensitive skin.

- Proudly Philippine-made.

- Cruelty-free.

- Affordable price.

What you might not like:

- None that I can think of. :)

The Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Kids Bath Soap sells for Php 69.75 each, and can be bought online, through registered dealers, and at local branches nationwide. Hopefully, this product will be available in the US website, too!

Foodie Goodie | Spaghetti Aglio Olio.

Weekends are for watching old Korean dramas. At least that's what they are, for me. And the past weekend saw me finishing 'Pasta' - all twenty episodes of it. This hit romantic comedy series, which aired in 2010, revolves around the life of Seo Yoo Kyung (portrayed by Gong Hyo Jin) and her dreams and struggles to become an elite chef.

Lee Sun Kyun and Gong Hyo Jin in Pasta.

After watching this drama, I was prompted inspired to do two things - have my ears pierced near the cartilage - in the style of Gong Hyo Jin,  and cook Spaghetti with Olive Oil and Garlic ala Choi Hyun Wook (the male lead, portrayed by Lee Sun Kyun).

Now I have three piercings on my left ear. :)

I've never cooked Spaghetti Aglio Olio before, so I did a bit of research and came across this recipe from the Food Network. The ingredients are pretty basic, and this dish takes very little time and effort to cook. It's perfect for days when I'm in the mood for pasta but don't want to go through the whole process of chopping and slicing and prepping ingredients, lol.

Spaghetti Aglio Olio

Ingredients:
500 grams spaghetti
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsps flat-leaf parsley, chopped
pinch of red pepper flakes
kosher salt to taste (plus 1 teaspoon)
zest of 1/2 lemon
parmesan cheese, grated

Procedure:
1. Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat, then salt it generously.
2. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally until al dente, tender but not mushy, about 8 minutes.
3. While the pasta cooks, combine the garlic, olive oil, the 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes in a large skillet and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until the garlic softens and turns golden.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander set in the sink, reserving about a 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
5. Add the pasta and the reserved water to the garlic mixture. Mix well.
6. Add the parsley and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning, to taste.
7. Transfer to a large serving bowl or divide amongst 4 to 6 dishes. Serve topped with grated cheese, if desired.

Shared with Food Friday and Food Trip Friday. 

Wordless Wednesday #57 | Wedding Fair.

The little man checking out the exhibits at last weekend's wedding fair.

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature 100% Natural Healthy Lotion.

Last week, I had the honor of receiving this wonderful gift from Gandang Kalikasan Inc. (Thanks Sara and Reby for this surprise!) It's a box filled with Human Heart Nature goodies - some of their newest products that were launched during the last Magalogue Turnover.

L-R: 100% Natural Healthy Lotion, 100% Natural Day Moisturizer,
Natural Feminine Wash in Powder Cool, 100% Natural Kids Bath Soap.

I'll be featuring every single one of these products, starting with the 100% Natural Healthy Lotion. I've been using it since the day this box arrived at my place and I must say, I am loving this new Blossom Beauty variant a lot. It comes in a refreshing fruity floral scent that's not too mild and not too strong. Plus the scent lingers on the skin for hours. I actually find the Blossom Beauty better than the other two variants of the Natural Healthy Lotion.

100% Natural Healthy Lotion in 200mL and 50mL bottles.

Like its predecessors - the Berry Bliss and Vanilla Delight variants - this new product contains no harmful chemicals, no parabens, no mineral oil, and no synthetic fragrances.

Blossom Beauty.

But what gives this new lotion the edge is that it's packed with twelve, yes twelve of nature's best nutrients and antioxidants. These are: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B9, B12, C, E, K, amino acids, essential fatty acids, phytosterols, and zinc. That's quite a lot, huh?

Remember, all lotions can moisturize.
But not all of them are healthy! 

But wait, there's more! (I sound like an ad from the Home Shopping Network, hahaha!)
This lotion also contains soybean oil that protects your skin from harmful UV rays and a 24-hour moisture booster from sugarcane compound. Not to mention the already remarkable all-natural blend of aloe vera leaf juice and sunflower and avocado oils that locks in moisture and makes the skin soft, smooth, and beautifully radiant.

All natural, cruelty-free. :)

Its thin and runny-like consistency allows for easy absorption and doesn't leave the skin with a greasy, heavy feel. It's the kind of lotion that you'd want to use even on a hot, summer day. (Of course I know it's already autumn in most parts of the globe and the days are getting colder and all.)

Runny, but non-sticky.

What I love:

- Made with all-natural ingredients.

- Contains no harmful chemicals.

- Cruelty-free.

- Proudly Philippine-made.

- Fruity, floral scent that lingers on the skin.

- Loaded with nutrients and antioxidants.

- Softens, smoothes, and moisturizes the skin.

- Feels light on the skin.

What you might not like:

- This is an organic product, so no SPF.

- I know there are people who are allergic to soy. Be wary, as this contains soybean oil.

The Blossom Beauty 100% Natural Healthy Lotion comes in two sizes - 50mL (Php 64.75) and 200mL (Php 199.75), and can be purchased online, through registered dealers, or at local branches nationwide. Oh, and yes, Human Heart Nature is available in the United States, too! :)

Foodie Goodie | Finlandia Swiss Cheese.

If you're a huge fan of the Bravo TV reality cooking show Top Chef like I am, then the name 'Ariane Duarte' probably rings a bell. Yes, she's the season 5 contender who won an elimination challenge and had the chance to cook live on the Today Show.

It's been five years since Top Chef season 5, and now Ariane is the chef/owner of a four-star restaurant in Montclair, New Jersey aptly named 'CulinAriane'. She's also the brand ambassador of Finlandia Cheese Inc., a New Jersey-based brand of dairy products, and also one of the most popular brands in the global dairy industry.

“One of my real secrets is knowing that all cheese is not created equal,” advises Ariane. “Whether I’m choosing ingredients for the restaurant or for my family, quality is my first concern. So when I’m choosing cheese, I prefer Finlandia®. Regardless of the cheese type, all Finlandia cheeses are all natural, hormone-free and naturally lactose-free, and I especially like the superior taste and end results when used in my recipes.”

Today, my friends and readers are in for a treat as I share with you these recipes created by Chef Ariane Duarte. They're some of my favorite comfort food, and they're perfect for chilly, blustery days (like today).

Finlandia Swiss Chipotle Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:
3 c cooked elbow noodles
1 small onion diced
2t garlic minced
2 T butter
1/3c flour
3c skimmed milk
3/4c cottage cheese
4 packages sliced Finlandia Swiss, Light Swiss or Lacey Swiss (cut into small dices)
2c parmesan
1T chipotle peppers, pureed
salt & pepper
seasoned bread crumbs

Procedure:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a blender, add skim milk and cottage cheese. Blend until smooth.
3. Add butter in a sauce pot, and once hot add onion and garlic.
4. Add flour, mix well and then add milk mixture. Stir and let thicken for about 7 -10 minutes.
5. Add chipotle pepper. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add cheeses and cooked pasta. Mix well and put into a casserole dish.
7. Top with bread crumbs.
8. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Ariane says: I love macaroni and cheese and this contemporary twist on the classic combines three distinct cheeses with the subtle smokiness of chipotle peppers. Finlandia Swiss cheese is essential to the recipe because of the creamy and full-bodied flavor it imparts. I was inspired to add cottage cheese to the recipe because it also adds even more creaminess, but without the calories and it provides a lot of protein, too. The cheeses are the perfect counterpoint to the sharpness of the peppers and the full cheese flavor delivers the comforting texture that gives the nostalgic dish its staying power.

French Onion Soup with Finlandia Swiss Cheese

Ingredients:

¼ c butter

3 onions, thinly sliced

1 t white sugar

1 T all purpose flour

2 ½ c water

½ c red wine

1 ½ cup condensed beef broth

1 French baguette, sliced thick

8 oz sliced Finlandia Swiss Cheese

Procedure:

1. Melt butter or margarine in a 4 quart saucepan. Stir in sugar. 

2. Cook onions over medium heat for 10 minutes or until golden brown. 

3. Stir in flour until well blended with the onions and pan juices and cook about 5 minutes. 

4. Add water, wine, and beef broth; bring to a boil. 

5. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

6. Cut four thick slices of bread from the loaf. Toast the bread slices until browned and crusty. Reserve the remaining bread to serve with the soup. 

7. Ladle soup into four oven safe bowls. Place one slice of toasted bread on top of the soup in each bowl. 

8. Cover top of bowl with Finlandia Cheese slice until it just falls over the edge. 

9. Place soup bowls on a cookie sheet to avoid spills in the oven. 

10. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes or just until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Next week, I'll be sharing a few more recipes from Chef Ariane. In the meantime, you can check out the Finlandia Cheese website for more information and other recipes. Happy weekend eating! :)

Shared with Food Friday and Food Trip Friday.