Eco-friendly Products Archives - Truly Rich and Blessed

Baby Chic Boutique: Proudly Mompreneur-owned! (Plus an Amazing Grace giveaway!)

October 14, 2012 by Tina Leave a Comment

One of the things I love about blogging is being able to “connect” somehow with other people, especially with other moms. I am especially thrilled when mompreneurs contact me and tell me about how and why they started their businesses — mostly because they want to spend more time with their kids. 🙂 (Don’t we all wish we could do that — after all, childhood is fleeting!)

One such mom is Helene Sonza, of (on Multiply and on ), which is dedicated to selling “chic and adorable baby products.”

Helene wrote to me a while back through my Contact Me page, and it’s letters like hers that really warm my heart (and humble me and inspire me to keep blogging!):

Helene shares a little bit more about her store with us, and her newest “baby”:

I actually started out selling flower clips and headbands, branched out into cute, reusable and eco-friendly cloth diapers, and then added more items such as babylegs/leg warmers, busha pants, diaper accessories, and more.

We chose to come up with our own brand of cloth diapers because we wanted to offer consumers something different. 🙂 Right now, most of the cloth diapers available in the market are pocket diapers, where you put an absorbent insert into the pocket opening of the diaper. This means that when the diaper is wet already, it can’t be used again until it’s washed. Whereas with our Baby Chic Covers, you can just wipe and reuse the shell… simply replace the insert, and you’re good to go again. It’s actually a lot less expensive this way, since you can invest in inserts and just a few covers, and you can already cloth diaper full time. For example, if you wash every other day, you can invest in just 5 covers and 20 inserts.

From Baby Chic Boutique’s Facebook page

Our covers are unique since they have stay put flaps both front and back, so you’re assured that your insert won’t move from it’s place. Of course, it’s best to use our trifold insert with it since you can snap the insert into the cover so there’s really no chance for it to budge.Our trifold inserts are also different from your typical insert. These are a lot more absorbent since they compose of 9 layers when folded. You can even use them overnight. Typical inserts are only composed of 3-4 layers of fabric.

Baby Chic Boutique’s Trifold Insert is made up of two layers of bamboo and one layer of microsuede.
When folded, the insert is nine layers thick but still not very bulky.
(From )

I personally think that moms who “invent” their own products, like Helene, deserve a huge pat on the back! 🙂 I have been blessed to meet so many mompreneurs out there who have come up with innovative products — all because they can relate to the needs of their fellow moms and their kids! 🙂 (I admittedly am not blessed in this department, but I really love promoting those who are! 🙂

Anyway, like it says above, to celebrate the launch of her new product, Helene is sponsoring another Amazing Grace giveaway! 🙂

ONE blessed reader will win ONE Baby Chic cover plus TWO trifold inserts! 🙂 The winner will get to choose the color of the cover from the choices shown in the photo above. 🙂

The contest is open to everyone with a Philippine shipping address. 🙂 If you’re not based in the Philippines but have relatives here, you can still join! 🙂
The contest will run for two weeks. The winner will be notified via email and will also be announced on . Pls. bear with me if I don’t post the announcement right away. 🙂 You know how being pregnant can be! 🙂
All participants are required to “Like” and post about the giveaway on their Facebook walls. (You need to follow me on Facebook and Twitter, too! 😛 And leave a comment, please! 🙂 For easier entry, please follow the Rafflecopter instructions below. 🙂

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and God bless, everyone! 🙂

Truly Rich Recommendations: Human Heart Nature Products — Good for You, Your Family AND for Our Country! (Plus An Intro to the #PinayAndProud Campaign)

August 3, 2012 by Tina Leave a Comment

I have a confession to make… our family is not a 100% organic product-consuming, totally earth-friendly, health-conscious one. (*Gasp!*) That’s right — we’re NOT! And I am trying to live with that. HOWEVER, thanks to the influence of many friends and fellow moms and even a few generous mompreneurs, I am trying to ease our family into that kind of lifestyle, little by little.

One of the first things I started being committed to when it came to organic was supporting Human Heart Nature. You see (and here’s another confession-of-sorts), I am personally privileged to know the fabulous women behind it, Anna Meloto-Wilk and Camille Meloto, from our days as members of the same youth ministry (though based in different schools, and Camille, or “Mim” to her friends, was younger than me). When I first heard about them setting up Human Heart Nature, I was sooo happy and thrilled and proud! I think we were still in Timor Leste then. (Anna and Camille’s story is uber-inspiring — you can read a bit about it here.)

Anna and Camille won the Social Entrepreneur award in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards last year. (Photo source: Ernst & Young website)
Shown in the photo with them is their dad, Tito Tony Meloto, a great man with a passion for God, the Philippines and the poor. His children are all involved in Gawad Kalinga in one way or another.

When we returned to Manila for a vacation, I set out to buy my first batch of Human Heart Nature products from a friend, who had signed up as a dealer. They were mostly for the kids. The products back then still had the old packaging and some of them have actually been discontinued.

Well, needless to say, Human Heart Nature (HHN) has come a long way since then! 🙂 And I am thrilled to be one of their “older” fans! 🙂 Here are my current Top 10 picks from HHN:

For me:

HHN’s Balancing Facial Wash is perfect for me, since I have combination skin. 🙂

Natural Strengthening Shampoo —
I have been using this for about a month now and have experienced a litle less hair fall when taking a bath. My hair has been falling a lot since I gave birth to our eldest, so I’m grateful! 🙂

I love, love, love this! Significantly decreased irritation (little to none) you know where. Thank you, HHN!

I don’t usually wear makeup and lipstick is the most that I will use, actually! 🙂 So I just LOVE HHN’s hydrating mineral lipstick! (I need to get a new piece though, my old one is already finished!)

HHN’s natural lip balm is perfect for minimalists like me! 🙂 Though I have yet to try their tinted lip balm! Might get some along with the mineral lipstick!

For the kids:

Kids Natural Shampoo and Body Wash —
We’ve tried both variants but the kids prefer the smell of the tangerine wash. 🙂 Love their smaller-sized variants — perfect for trips!

This handy anti-bacterial pocket soap comes in super handy whenever we’re out and about! We’ve actually run out of this, so I need to add it to my shopping list! 😉

We love HHN’s All Natural Spray Sanitizer! PERFECT for cleaning little grimy hands (after wiping them down with wet tissues), especially when there’s no access to running water! 🙂 I relied on these A LOT when we would go on mission to far-flung places in Timor!

Another one of my favorites! 🙂 I use this ESPECIALLY when the kids (and I) need to use public restrooms! I spray the toilet seat and the handle / knob of the door. If I’ve forgotten to bring the kids’ spray sanitizer, I use this on their hands as well.
Another must-have for short outings AND long trips!

Since dengue is almost always something to be scared of (both here in the Philippines AND in Timor) and since I was a malaria victim myself when we were in Timor, we would always have a stash of HHN’s Citronella Bug Spray with us. We use this whenever the kids go outside to play, or go to other places like the mall. In Timor, they used this a lot even when INSIDE the house as well!

My kids don’t really like having lotion slathered on their bodies but they do make an exception for this HHN’s Deet-Free Insect Repellent Lotion. I use this alternately with the Citronella Bug Spray. 🙂

So there you have it, friends! 🙂 My current top picks from Human Heart Nature! 🙂 Actually, I’d been wanting to write this post for a while now, but couldn’t get around to it! Since HHN recently launched its Pinay and Proud campaign, I thought it would be the BEST time to post this! 🙂

Photo from .

Like so many Filipino women out there, I am #PinayAndProud despite not growing up in the Philippines, and I explained how we’re trying to raise our kids to be patriotic, too, in a recent post over at World Moms Blog (which you can read here). I also try to include my love for the Philippines and my pride in being a Filipina in some of my articles and advocacies.

Just like, Human Heart Nature (and , their campaign partner for Pinay and Proud), I believe that:

The Filipina is NURTURING and encourages others to reach the full potential of their God-given talents. She is COURAGEOUS, whose inner strength goes beyond selflessness and enables her to make sacrifices for her family and country. She is an INSPIRING role model by sharing her story so they, too, can achieve great things. Lastly, she is BEAUTIFUL both inside and out, and shines her light on everything and everyone around her. (Source)

Do I hear an “Amen to that” out there?! Yes? YES! 🙂

If you’re a Filipina reading this, STAND UP and BE COUNTED! 🙂 Be proud of who you are: God made you a woman, a Filipino woman, for a special purpose! That’s what we’re celebrating this month after all, right? The Gift of Womanhood! 🙂 Woohooooo! So, are YOU #PinayAndProud? I’d LOVE to know! Just leave a comment below!

P.S. As part of the blog’s “theme” for the month (Celebrating the Gift of Womanhood), Human Heart Nature will be sponsoring an AWESOME giveaway! Woohoo! More details soon! 😉 Thank you, HHN!

Truly Rich Recommendations: Mommy Patch — Your Natural Source of Everyday Living Essentials

May 24, 2012 by Tina Leave a Comment

I first encountered Mommy Patch when I was researching for products to resell online (back when I was exploring the possibility of being a retail mompreneur, LOL!). I came to LOVE their products and was even blessed to review some of them for Smart Parenting. (Please do take the time to read if here if you can!)

I even became an official Mommy Patch reseller for a while. I’ve recently stopped though, because writing and editing {and blogging!}, plus homeschooling and other things on the homefront already take up all of my time!

Even if I wasn’t able to pursue being a reseller, I’m grateful for having been able to communicate regularly with Mommy Cel Lopez-Dioneda, the mompreneur behind Mommy Patch. 🙂 I have a high respect for mompreneurs (which is why I love writing about them, especially for Smart Parenting). Mommy Cel is no different. She put up Mommy Patch primarily out of love for her daughter. Read what it says on Mommy Patch’s “About Us” page:

KIDS.

That’s what mommypatch is all about, in a single word.

mommypatch was born out of the idea of protecting a child, by a mother whose love knew no boundaries.

Any mother can relate and understand this emotional bond, and any mother will embrace any ideas that will help her protect her children.

Now mommypatch is borne out of the idea of sharing one mother’s boundless version of protection to other mothers. These ideas are what comes in every single mommypatch product.

The same products that are more than the sum of their ingredients, but are extensions of motherly care, succor and protection.

mommypatch – the new expression of motherly love.

Inspiring, right?! 🙂 I was even more psyched when I found out that Mommy Cel is also a member of Couples for Christ, our Catholic community. (Great minds think alike, huh?! LOL!)

I also love that Mommy Patch is so personal — the packaging, the details to products, everything! 🙂 I am also in awe, because Mommy Cel currently does not have any househelp and has just one assistant to help her with the business, which she manages while caring for her daughter, too! 🙂

If you’re looking for a great source of NATURAL products for your everyday living essentials (especially anti-mosquito products!), Mommy Patch is your best bet! 🙂 Check out a few of their fabulous items below, which we are currently blessed to be using (thanks, Mommy Cel, for these FABULOUS goodies! Love, love, love them!):

Guess who was as excited as Mama was when we got our Mommy Patch package?!

Cutie-pie shot! 🙂

“What’s this, Mama?”

Mmmm… LOVE the smell of Mommy Patch’s peppermint soap!

Goodies from Mommy Patch! — An unexpected blessing! (Seriously!)

God knows our simplest desires! Been looking for affordable Moroccan Argan Oil ever since someone recommended it for skin asthma, which little Rysse suffers from! 🙂 Yey!

Lavender Rescue Balm from Mommy Patch.
Been wanting to try this out, ever since I fell in love with MP’s lavender rescue sticks!

Glowing Contessa Olive Dry Oil Mist! 🙂

MP’s Peppermint Shea Soap on A Rope 🙂 (LOVE the embossed Mommy Patch logo here!)
The kids LOVE its smell and love using it during bath time! (Though it’s supposedly just for me and their Papa!) I make sure to supervise them when they’re using it though!

Can’t wait to try the Peppermint Bath Body Massage Oil on the hubby! 🙂

An all-time favorite of mine: MP’s Lavender Rescue Stick! 🙂

Another fave: MP’s Anti-Mosquito Rescue Sticks!

A Mommy Patch original:
All-natural talc-free, paraben-free, aluminum-free deodorizing powder! 🙂

Mommy Patch also has all-natural laundry rinse and household disinfectant and cleaner! 🙂 Plus lots of other great products! Imagine — sooo many useful products “born” out of the love of a mother for her daughter! 🙂 Way to go, Mommy Cel! 🙂

If you want to order your own Mommy Patch products, go to their Multiply site here.
You can also view the list of Mommy Patch distributors and resellers here. (I think I need to get myself removed from that list, LOL!)

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post, although Mommy Patch is currently one of my blog partners. I received the goodies from Mommy Patch as a gift from Mommy Cel (no strings attached), but I am SUPER happy to have received them that I couldn’t help blogging about them. 🙂 I’d blog about Mommy Patch for free (I have before, actually) — that’s how much I love their products!

Amazing Grace Giveaway: Win wonderful wooden toys from Wonderworld!

May 23, 2012 by Tina Leave a Comment

It’s almost Pentecost Sunday, which means our 50 Days of Easter are almost over. (Aaaawwww…)

When I first got the idea (though I’d like to think it was divine inspiration!) to do something special here on the blog, in celebration of the Easter season, I never imagined where God would take me and my family (and this blog!). All I can say is, I now know, more than ever, that God’s grace is truly, truly amazing! 🙂 {Thank YOU, dear readers, for keeping me company on this fun, faith-filled ride so far!}

Anyway, for today’s Amazing Grace giveaway, I’d like to thank super-mompreneur Sherrie Siy-Ong of Baby Depot, Inc., the exclusive distributor of , for the awesome prizes! 🙂

But first, a little background on Wonderworld Toys:
{NOTE: I may have ~~hurriedly~~ prepared this slide show, but the text and images are from Wonderworld Toys Philippines PR kit and Facebook page. Just letting you know. :)}

Now, let’s get to the giveaway details already, shall we?! 🙂 (Don’t forget, there are still other giveaways currently ongoing, you might want to join those, too!)

PRIZE DETAILS
TWO blessed readers of Truly Rich Mom will win one Wonderworld toy each! 🙂

Prize no. 1: One (1) Wooden Mini Tuktuk toy
Description (from Baby Depot):
WONDERWORLD Mini Transportation are great social toys, aside from developing gross motor skills from pushing and pulling. Let your child bring his fave WW mini vehicles to your next outing for fun play with his/her cousins/friends.

Tuktuks are Thailand’s version of taxi. So named because of the sound of their engine, these are motorized rickshaws and are popular amongst tourists for their novelty value. They are occasionally faster than taxis in heavy traffic as weaving in and out is easier. Celebrate your child’s milestones with WONDERWORLD Educational Toys!

Prize no. 2: One (1) Wooden Blue Twisty Rattle
Description (from Baby Depot):
Baby will love to grasp and shake this WONDERWORLD Blue Twisty Rattle to create sound and movement. This can also be used as a teether, as it is partly made of soft material. Celebrate your child’s milestones with WONDERWORLD Educational Toys!

ELIGIBILITY AND CONTEST PERIOD

Eligibility: This contest is open to Philippine residents only.

Contest period: Contest will run from May 24 to June 7, 2012. The winner will be announced by June 9, 2012.

MECHANICS

Just follow the Rafflecopter instructions below. 🙂 Have fun and God bless! 😀
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Last of Mother’s Day "Week" Amazing Grace Giveaways: Win P1, 000 worth of Mommy Patch products!

May 20, 2012 by Tina Leave a Comment

I JUST realized that I wasn’t able to post giveaways for the remaining days of Mother’s Day “week” here (the last Amazing Grace giveaway by Medela Moms was posted on Thursday!) 🙂 “So many things to do, so little time” has been my “mantra” these past days! 🙂 LOL!

Anyway, I did have a surprise overnight giveaway for entry passes to the 4th Philippine Homeschool Conference, so that should count, right?! (OK, I just re-titled that post, so it counts now, LOL!) 🙂

Anyway (again! Haha!), I’m sure you’ll love the last of the Mother’s Day “week” Amazing Grace giveaways: TWO blessed winners will get P1,000 worth of wonderful products from Mommy Patch! 🙂

I have personally tried and reviewed a few of Mommy Patch’s products, and I TOTALLY LOVE them! You can take a peek at the products on Multiply here or on Facebook (though the Multiply site is more updated).

Mommy Cel Lopez-Dioneda, the mompreneur behind Mommy Patch, is also super nice and friendly! 🙂 I looove the fact that she comes up with her products herself, and that she came up with the business out of love for her daughter! 🙂 Mompreneurs are the BEST!

So here are the giveaway details:

ELIGIBILITY AND CONTEST PERIOD

Eligibility: This contest is open to Philippine residents only.

Contest period: Contest will run from May 20 to June 3, 2012. The winner will be announced by June 4, 2012.

MECHANICS
Just follow the Rafflecopter instructions below and you’re good to go. 🙂 Remember to enter everything to increase your chances of winning! 🙂 Join, join, join! 🙂

P.S. Don’t forget, you can STILL join the Medela Moms giveaways! 🙂 Have a happy, happy, happy week ahead! 🙂

a Rafflecopter giveaway