Three Weeks with Belo

As shared in my previous post (read about the launching here), we have been road testing the new Belo Baby products at home. I say 'we' because I also tried it together with my children.

My 5-year old daughter instantly loved the hair and body wash after the first use. I guess this little kikay liked the idea of trying a new product in a cute packaging more than anything. She initially said "mommy, there are no bubbles!". When I explained that the ingredient that causes shampoo to bubble (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - sulfates” or “SLS” for short) is not good for us, she readily accepted it with an "ooooh, okay" then continued enjoying her bath.

P219.75

I love love love the lotion. It's very lightweight and easily absorbs into the skin. Perfect for this hot summer weather. My kids are also not complaining of stickiness so it's safe to say it's kid-approved.

P224.75

They also have a bar soap for those who are not keen on using liquid washes. They are just as gentle, safe and natural. Perfect for kids and even adults with sensitive skin.

P79.75

 

I really like that Belo Baby is available locally and contains natural and safe ingredients for our family. I particularly like how affordable they are considering the excellent ingredients that were used.

Try it and let me know how you like it. I will be doing a giveaway of some Belo Baby products really soon so watch out for it!

You may purchase Belo Baby products at your favorite supermarkets, groceries and department stores. They are also available online through Lazada, Cudsly, and Zalora.
Learn more about the new Belo Baby Line through their website www.belobaby.ph and Facebook page . Follow them on Twitter and Instagram with handle @belobabylove.

 

Read more...

Zenutrients: Gugo Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner

I have always been on the quest for hair products that address my two hair problems: Perennial hair loss and dry hair. I have often found good products that promises one or the other but never both.  Now here's where it gets a little bit more challenging.  On top of these two requirements, I also need the product to only contain organic ingredients. 

 

I think the search is finally over. I'd like to introduce you to my current hair addiction - Zenutrients' Gugo Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner. I have used it for six months already and I am officially a fan.

 

I recently finished my 250ml bottle and just bought a 1000ml bottle to refill. Getting the larger bottle is a lot more economical but I might also get a 500ml soon as that comes with a handy pump.

The shampoo is quite watery but it lathers pretty well. Don't skip the conditioner because that's the secret to softer hair.

Zenutrients has recently sent me the Gugo Strengthening Hair Serum.  This is the latest addition to their growing Gugo line. This is a more potent serum that can be left on the hair overnight so it works while you sleep. The instructions say that you may also use it as a leave-on but I've yet to see how that works on my hair.

 

The serum contains Gugo extract, Jeju Aloe Vera, Green Tea extract, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus essential oils. I particularly enjoy massaging the serum on my scalp before going to bed as the Tea Treet and Eucalyptus oils make my head feels cool and minty.  Very refreshing after a long and busy day.

 

I've only started using it for a few days so I've yet to see the effects of the serum. But if it's anything like the shampoo and conditioner, then I've high hopes that it will do its magic on my hair.

 

ZENUTRIENTS

57 East Capitol Drive, Barrio Kapitolyo, Pasig City

Mobile number: 0932-8064417, 0925-8800687 and 0917-3252636

 

Read more...

A 9-day Cycles Giveaway!

Remember my post about Cycles Sensitive's line of insect repellents? Well, they have a whole line of other skin sensitive baby products on top of that.

(Clockwise from top-left: Head-to-toe body wash, Baby lotion, Natural Insect repellent, Non-Deet insect repellent, Diaper Cream, and Insect repellent patches



SoMoms with Cycles brand ambassador, Cheska Garcia Kramer & Gavin Kramer


Here's for the good news! Cycles Sensitive is giving away 3 gift packs containing all of the abovementioned products to 3 winners! It's so easy to join.

Log-in to the Rafflecopter widget below in order to earn raffle entries.
(1) Follow @cycles on Twitter
(2) Follow @densfan on Twitter
(3) Tweet about the giveaway
(4) Like Breakfast with Tiffany on Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to all Philippine residents and will run for 9 days from February 19 to 28. Winners will be announced on this blog during the first week of March.

Read more...

There is No Compromise

I want to start this post by telling you two true stories.

Story 1: The mom had two little girls. One was four and the other was 3. One day, the 3-year old came home from school with a fever. The parents treated her with the usual care until she got well and went back to school. A few days later, their 4-year old daughter came home from school with a fever too! Immediately assuming that she was just infected by the same virus as her sister, the parents were not initially alarmed. But days and nights passed and the fever did not subside. They brought her to the hospital for tests only to find out it was Dengue. Unfortunately, they were already too late. They lost their little girl.

Story 2: She was a tough woman that was highly respected in the corporate world. She was smart and organized and did things systematically. On top of her blossoming career, she was also a mom to a little boy. She was well aware of the dangers of Dengue so she took no chances. She asked the yaya to diligently put insect repellent on her little boy several times a everyday. Years later, the boy developed some blood disorder. After some tests, they discovered DEET in his blood. He had such an increased level of DEET toxicity in his blood from overuse of insect repellent as a child. The boy did not survive.

Stories like the ones above can scare any mom. The first story probably made you want to run to the nearest grocery store and purchase all the insect repellents available. But the second story probably stopped you in your tracks and made you more selective in your purchase.

All of us are so afraid of Dengue.  With all the horror stories out there, we have every right to be.  Two weeks ago, i was invited to a launch of Cycles Sensitive where they invited Dra. Donna Marie Leelin-Sarrosa, who is one of the few Pediatric Dermatologists in the country, to give a talk. Among other things, i learned that not all insect repellents are created equal.

In the past, I used to think that Citronella Oil is my best mosquito-fighting option. This can still be true but i realized that with the above information, I have not been protecting my kids enough! Unless you know that they will only be exposed to mosquitoes for 20 to 30 minutes, that Citronella Oil might just not make the cut.  Products with DEET will obviously win in the duration factor but after hearing about the dangers of frequent usage of DEET, i am honestly quite averse to using them on my kids. Leamon Eucalyptus Oil is not a bad option with 2 to 5 hours coverage but Picaridin wins with 6 to 8 hours of protection!

I did my own research on Picaridin and found that it's a synthetic compound developed from a plant extract from the genus Piper, the same plant genus that produces table pepper.  If you're still concerned about it's absorption, it is comforting to know that only 6% of the Picaridin applied to the skin is absorbed. It is also easily broken down by our bodies and any amount absorbed will be excreted through urine within the same day.

The good news is that Cycles Sensitive has a line of Insect Repellents that are safe yet effective for the whole family!

Cheska Garcia Kramer as Cycles' endorser with her baby Gavin

Cycles Sensitive Natural Insect Repellent (can be used from birth up) and Non-Deet Insect Repellent (for babies 6 months and up)

For protection of the face, you can just put a patch near the collar area

5 Things you need to know about insect repellents:
1. Do not apply on the face directly
2. Do not saturate the skin
3. Apply only to exposed skin and clothing
4. Frequent reapplication is rarely necessary (see above chart for duration)
5. Do not leave insect repellents overnight

Cycles is available in most leading department stores and supermarket chains. Check out the link below for the complete listing - http://www.cycles-sensitive.com/index.php/wheretobuy

Okay, now that we're armed with the right information, it's time to run to the nearest store and purchase our own Cycles Sensitive Insect Repellents. Ready? Get set! Go!


Cycles Baby
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyclesbaby
Twitter: @Cyclesbaby
Website: www.cycles-sensitive.com 

Ongoing CYCLES GIVEAWAY happening at http://densandfan.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-9-day-cycles-giveaway.html 

Read more...

Shop With Your Kids at EchoStore, Eton Centris

Have you made your New Year's resolution for 2014? Let me guess. There is probably one item there that is health-related. Whether the goal is to lose 10 lbs, start eating healthily, or enroll in a gym - it all boils down to one thing. People these days are all aiming for a healthier lifestyle.

7 New Years' ago, i made the same resolution. I decided to live heathily inside and out. It's not just getting fit and losing that belly fat, although that's a wonderful bonus, it's also making sure that our family is eating and using the right products. Though i must admit that it has been tough to go all natural and all organic 100% of the time, i am happy that these products are now becoming more and more accessible to the Filipinos nationwide.

When my good friends, Christopher and Sharon Chua, opened an EchoStore branch in Eton Centris, i was determined to visit. I am familiar with EchoStore and was excited to shop for my family.

EchoStore sells Filipino-made products that supports a sustainable lifestyle. They have everything from food to personal/beauty and household products. The Eton Centris branch was made extra special because it's not only a store but also a restaurant (EchoCafe) that promotes healthy but delicious eating.

On top of that, the store has a little play area where the kids can safely read books and play toys while their moms do their grocery shopping and the dads enjoy an afternoon coffee in the cafe. Now isn't that so ideal for all of us parents? Also a great place to meet up with friends for coffee even when you don't have a yaya.

 Here are some of the products that caught my attention while shopping at the EchoStore.

Beansprouts tumblers and ecosacks!

Super delicious Malunggay corn snacks. Malunggay is known to increase breastmilk supply.  Hoard now breastfeeding moms!

Soya Chips in yummy Sour Cream. A great alternative to snacking.

Granola - taste so good with your favorite cereal + non-fat milk. My favorite daily breakfast.

Leyende products

Human Nature products

Can you say healthy ice cream?



Whole Wheat Pancake Mix for your kids! They won't even notice the healthy switch.

GIGA products (side note: i especially love their Eucalyptus Body Spray that i use as a room scent and insect repellant)

Zenutrients products

I bought a few more products during our visit that i was not able to take pictures of like the Island Basics Lavender & Tea Tree Make Up Remover (works like eye magic for stubborn liquid eyeliners!) and a host of various insect repellants that i know are Deet-free and safe for my kids.

Eton Centris is pretty far from where i live but i know i'll find myself back there one of these days. To all of you living in Quezon City, what are you waiting for? Start the year right and jumpstart your family to a healthier lifestyle! Your journey to good health starts today.

ECHOstore Centris Walk ETON Mall, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Tel: (632)709.7800

Read more...

Protect Your Stem Cells with Mustela

Just when you think Mustela is already the holy grail for all baby products, it just got even better! They now have a new formulation that protects the stem cells of the skin. Yes, stem cells!

Stem cells are really popular these days.  I'm sure most of us have heard of the wonderful benefits of stem cells these days. But what exactly is a stem cell? I did a little bit of research and found that stem cells are actually a reserve cell with the capacity to grow and multiply to replace dead or damaged adult cells. Some, but not all, organs and tissues in the body have a supply of stem cells. Skin is one organ that contains stem cells. Skin wounds are repaired by skin stem cells so it is very vital to retain them in our skin.

Two weeks ago i attended Mustela's launch for the reformulation of the Mustela Bebe line.  During the event, i learned that a newborn's skin contains a rich cellular reserve of stem cells at its highest potential. The problem is that this remains extremely vulnerable during the first few years of life while our skin's barriers are still being formed (usually until the age of 2).

The good news is that Mustela's new active ingredient, Avocado Perseose, supports the development of the barrier function and more importantly, protects the stem cells in the baby's skin. Once safely preserved, the original stem cells can continue to play its role of restoring and maintatining the skin throughout life.  

Mustela event held at the 2nd floor of Stacy's at BGC



Van Santos of Seek the Uniq hosted the event



Sharlene of Mustela Philippines talked about the new ingredient in Mustela Bebe



Cute table setting with Mustela borchures and the signature Stacy's colored mallows and popcorns

Cai of applesanddumplings, Tita K of LiveLoveLolz, Jen of Attachedatthehip, Eli of ThePaintersWife, me, Jen of MyMommyology



 

Yes, Mustela is from France, Tita K!

This new ingredient is available across all products in the Mustela Bebe line. Since my previous blogs on the Mustela products that our family has been using (Read about it here, here, and here), i have found more products that our family is now using.

1. Baby Shampoo

With my 2-year old's growing hair, i found it important to use shampoo now instead of just using soap all over. The shampoo makes her hair soft and more tangle-free.

2.   2 in 1  Hair and Body

This was actualy recommended to me by the Mustela sales assistant in their Glorietta 4 branch. The smell lasts longer than the other Mustela washes so this is just perfect for my very active 5-year old. I like that his hair still smells nice after the end of a very busy day.

3.  Facial cleansing cloths

I found this to be particularly useful for my daughter who loves to thumbsuck. i use this to regularly clean her hands while we're out of the house. I like that i can trust Mustela's ingredients and not worry that the wipes i am using contains harmful ingredients that my daughter may ingest.

4.   Agua De Colognia

Try it and you'll understand why our family loves it!

5.  Cold Cream

Tammy Tancinco of Mustela Philippines gave this to me as a gift after our trip to Korea during the winter. My husband's elbows were peeling and very dry so he decided to test this. We're very happy with the results and Dens' elbows have significantly improved. This is also very good to bring during your winter holidays where lips and skin become extremely dry. Great for the whole family.

So what are you waiting for? Rush to the nearest Mustela branch and start protecting your baby's stem cells!

Mustela is avaiable at the following locations:

Ayala Trinoma, 1st level (beside Mary Grace Cafe)
Robinsons Manila, 1st level Midtown wing (beside Topshop)
Glorietta 4, 3rd level (in front of Gourdo's and Play & Display)
Shangri-la Mall, 4th level (in front of Mothercare)
Megamall A, 2nd level (in front of Esprit)
Greenhills Shopping Center, The Shops, 1st level (in front of Watson's and Mary Grace)
Alabang Town Center, Upper Ground Floor, Connector Mall (in front of K & C Company)
SM Mall of Asia, 2nd level, Main Mall (near Osh Kosh and Periwinkle)

All Rustans Department Stores
All Landmarke Department Stores
Mothercare, Nationwide
PureBeauty, 2nd Floor Serendra, BGC and Harbor Point, Subic
Medela House, New Manila, QC
Chimes Specialty Store, Davao City

www.mustela.ph
Mutela Hotline 0917 895 9988
mustelaphilippines@yahoo.com
Facebook: Mustela Philippines

Read more...

My Caudalie Love Story (Part 1 of 3) and a Giveaway!

I first heard about Caudalie from a Parisian colleague whom i met in New York during a business trip back in 2008. She was sharing her love for Caudalie and everything natural/organic and i became curious. I started looking for Caudalie here in the Philippines to no avail. I was finally able to purchase a few of their products from Sephora in the US.  After my first encounter with the product, i became a believer.

Since then, i have tried more and more of their products and each one did not disappoint. Check out the video below for a message from the founder of Caudalie.

Now before i tell you about my mini contest, I'd like to share with you some of the Caudalie products on my shelf right now.

1. Caudalie Make-Up Remover & Cleansing Water

Since February of this year, i have began a radical change in my cleansing routine. I have stopped using tap water on my face. Yep, you read that right. I try to avoid getting my face wet when taking a bath and I don't wash my face anymore at night.

Instead, i have been using Micellar Water to remove make-up, clean and tone my face. Micellar Water is basically a solution consists of a dispersion of Micelles. What is Micelles, you might ask. Well, it can get very technical so please read about it here if you'd like to know more.  In beauty terms, i actually use the water as a make-up remover, cleanser, water and toner. I just soak the solution in a cotton pad and wipe my face with it as one would with a toner. It's very satisfying to see all the dirt come off until your cotton pads wipe clean.

Tap water hasn't touched my face for over seven months now except when i go swimming. It has been very effective and i didn't break out at all.

I have two sizes of the Cleansing water at home. One big bottle which i use at home and another one that i bring around to freshen up during the day. If you are still anxioius about going sans tap water, i suggest you use this as a toner after your regular cleanser. It makes your skin feel very clean and soft. None of those tight, squeaky clean feeling of a harsh facial wash.

2.  Caudalie Foaming Cleanser

This was the first ever Caudalie product that i fell in love with. This was, of course, before i discovered the Cleansing Water and stopped using tap all together. I love how gentle this cleanser feels on the skin. It pumps out foam and does not strip the skin of its natural oils.

My husband who is not particular about his cleansers even requested me to purchase this again. I was surprised and said 'i thought you don't really care about the brand of your facial wash'. And he said there's something about it that felt really different. He said his skin felt softer and he likes the subtle grapeseed scent (yes, bekki levelz lang ang comment).

It's very gentle yet effective in removing oil and make-up. I've used it for over 5 years and it has always been successful at removing the most stubborn waterproof make-up.

 

3. Beauty Elixir

The Beauty Elixir is one of Caudalie's bestselling products. Think Evian, only better. This product was inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary's elixir of youth. It claims to smooth away fine lines, tighten pores and give the skin a natural glow.

I've finished four bottles already and am on my fifth one. I spray it on my face after my cleansing routine and any time i need to refresh myself during the day. I love the scent of Grape, Orange blossom, Rose, Balm mint, and Rosemary.  It smells very relaxing - it's essentially a spa in a bottle. Seriously, try it.

Now for my promised giveaway. I will be giving away one 100ml bottle of the Caudalie Foaming Cleanser. I costs over P1,200 (coverted from USD) and is not available locally yet. The mechanics is very simple.

(1) Like the Breakfast with Tiffany Facebook page (https://facebook.com/densandfan)
(2) Follow me on Twitter (@densfan)

Please use the rafflecopter widget below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And that's it! :) The contest will run for a month and will end on November 2. I will announce the winner during the first week of November. Please note that this contest is open to Metro Manila residents only.

Read more...

Mustela Products I Love! (Prelude to a Contest)

As promised in my previous blog post about Mustela, I would like to share with you the different products that I am currently using on my kids and how I use them.

Dermo-Cleansing
 

This is a soap-free cleansing gel. that gently cleanses hair and body without stinging the eyes. Dawn has been using this since she 'graduated' from the Stelatopia line over a year ago.  Excellent cleanser for the kids that leaves them smelling like a baby!

Hydra Bebe Body Lotion
 

I loooove the Hydra Bebe Body Lotion! Our familiy is addicted! Even my husband uses this once in a while. He just feels guilty when he does because he knows i got those for the kids.

Stelatopia - Cleansing Cream
 

The Stelatopia line is perfect for those with dry skin with an atopic tendency. I started using this cleanser when Dawn developed rashes when she was just 4 months old (read about that here).  Now that Dawn's skin has completely healed, i have switched her to the regular Mustela cleaser and it has been working just fine.

Once in a while i will still switch her back to the Stelatopia cleanser whenever i feel her skin is starting to get a little bit drier or when we travel to cooler places.

Stelatopia - Emollient Cream
 

Together with the Stelatopia Cleansing Cream, we have used the Emollient Cream on Dawn. We have now moved her to the Hydra Bebe Body Lotion since her rashes never came back anymore.

On the other hand, i noticed recently that Troy has patches of really dry skin on his knees and feet. So i started using the remaining Stelatopia cream on him and have already seen drastic improvement in just a few days.

Stelatria - Purifying Recovery Cream
 

Every mom should have this!  No kidding - it is a natural first-aid cream for the kids. It repairs and soothes the skin. I use it when the kids get insect bites and i noticed that it helps make the swelling go down. I practically use it on every area that looks red.  It's my first go-to instead of reaching for the ointment or cream that possibly has steriods.

Soothing Comfort balm (moisturizing chest rub)
 

This balm contains shea butter, honey, linden, and chamomile extracts that comforts and soothes the child to give him a good night's rest. I rub it on my kids' chest and back when they have cough and colds - before going to sleep.

I have another funny discovery.  One night, Dawn woke up with a really bad tummy ache ('kabag') and wouldn't stop crying. I knew that my mom used to put White Flower on our tummies when we were younger. Other parents use Mansanilya. I didn't have any of those on hand that night. So i got the Soothing Comfort balm which was really meant as a chest rub, and decided to try it on my daughter's tummy.  She stopped crying as soon as i started massaging the balm on her tummy! I was amazed. It happened again a few weeks later and the balm worked like magic.

Afterwards, i decided to see if there was really any truth to this discovery or if Dawn just enjoyed the tummy massage. As soon as i looked up the word 'Mansanilya' online, it is the Filipino word for Chamomile - which is one of the ingredients of the Soothing Comfort balm. It really removes gas on tummies!  Hurray! Isn't that amazing? By having the Soothing Comfort balm on hand, you not only have something to soothe their cough and colds, but also something to aid their tummy aches too!

Mineral Cream very high sun protection SPF +
 

Perfect for the whole family's sun protection! This product is specifically designed to also cater to allergy-prone skin.

Now for the super good news! Mustela has partnered with New Beginnings to grant BwT readers their own Mustela dream stash! Watch out for the next post on how to win.

Abangan…


NOTE: The contest is now open - click http://densandfan.blogspot.in/2012/10/contest-win-mustela-products.html

*pictures taken from diapers.com, mustela.com

Read more...