Kuuala ~ Selling Products To Create A More Sustainable Planet

Buying green products for personal and household use can be extremely overwhelming.  What brands are best?  What ingredients are best?  Who do you trust?

I am constantly reminded of the importance of using green products while watching tv, reading magazines and blogs, and most importantly, from my 7-year old 'eco detective'.  Big-A attends one of the most environmentally friendly elementary schools in Ontario, and he has made it his life goal to get everyone around him on the green bandwagon!

When searching out the best green products available, it's hard to know where to start.  You could spend a small fortune testing and trying yourself, but why waste time and money when someone else can do it for you?  The special someone that I have found goes by the name Kuuala!

Kuuala's mission: 

"The Kuuala team was formed around the idea that buying sustainable products could be made easy, by clearly explaining the many benefits and by offering a wide selection of green products."

Kuuala understands that choices we make on this side of the world will impact the entire world.  They offer products that allow consumers to make a difference by saving natural resources and reducing pollution, and ultimately making our world healthier.

The Kuuala Online Store offers a great selection of brands and products in many categories.

Personal Care

• Categories include skin/body/hair/dental care, women and men care, baby & mother, cosmetics and beauty - everything that your family needs on a daily basis
• Brands such as Organique by Himalaya, Nature Clean, Tashodi, gDiaper (a compostable/flushable solution to cloth and disposable diapers!), Kaia and Seventh Generation

Eco Cleaning

• Categories include household cleaners, kitchen/bathroom/laundry care, paper products and commercial cleaners
• You'll find a vast selection of Nature Clean and Seventh Generation products

Home & Lifestyle

• You'll find glass vessels to hold hot or cold drinks, a line of bamboo kitchen items by Ekobo (LOVE!!), Mayukori nursing and sleeping pillows and water filtration options

Office & Work

• Check out ReBinder, a full line of recycled office paper supplies

I have reviewed Nature Clean and Seventh Generation products in the past, and both brands are permanent staples in my home.  It can be difficult to find my favourite green products in stores, though.  Some stores only sell one of the green brands that I like, while others sell numerous brands but have a small selection of each available.  I love that I can purchase my favourite green household brands through Kuuala's online store, not having to deal with the disappointment and frustration of not finding my favourite product at my local store.

When Kuuala offered to send me a Mayukori pillow to test out at home, I was both excited and intrigued.  I know that standard pillows hold and absorb dust mites, sweat and drool (my boys are deep sleepers and serious droolers!), shortening their lifespan.  I've heard that a standard pillow has a lifespan of 3 months to 2 years, depending on materials and care.  They will often get to the point of being unhealthy before they are disposed of and replaced.

Mayukori pillows are made in Canada, and are inspired by traditional Korean pillows.  They are natural, ergonomic, anti-mite and hygienic - ideal for allergy sufferers.  These "EGOresponsible" pillows are plant based, stuffed with buckwheat from local organic farms, making them compostable!  The buckwheat allows the pillow to naturally form to the shape of your head and neck, offering superior cervical vertebrae support.

Along with being "EGOresponsible", Mayukori also has a "SOCIOresponsible" attitude.  Their products are handmade by a Montreal reintegration company, training women in need in industrial sewing and providing them with small commercial jobs.  These women will eventually be given the opportunity to receive a diploma and move on to work for private companies.  I absolutely love any company that accepts social responsibility, and being a supporter of my local women's shelter, it means a lot to know that owning a Mayukori pillow will help a woman in need.

Mayukori's AKI Nino Child Pillow

Upon receiving our new Mayukori Nino Child Pillow, I instantly loved the AKI design, colourful and playful, perfect for any child!  It's compact, much smaller than a standard pillow.  The first few nights that Big-A used the Nino Pillow, it ended up on all parts of his bed.  It was a bit of an adjustment, transitioning from his standard sized pillow to a smaller one, but once he realized that it tucked perfectly under his neck he got used to it quickly.

Being the kid that he is and not understanding how important ergonomic and hygeinic are (that's Mommy and Daddy's job!), his favourite thing about the pillow is the ability to chill it or heat it.  I also love this option, and on occasion have 'borrowed' the pillow during evening story time.  I love the support and stretch that it gives my neck and head, especially after a long day sitting at a computer at work.

After 3 months of using this pillow, I can honestly say that it still has the same shape and form that it had on day one, and it doesn't smell at all.  Here is Big-A's own review of the Mayukori Nino Child Pillow:

"It feels nice and soft!  You can lay your head on it and it helps you to go to sleep.  It helps your head stay clean."

I love the mind of a 6-year old :)  Big-A loves his pillow and once Lil-J starts keeping his pillow under his head while he sleeps, I'll get him one too.

Big-A sleeping soundly on his Mayukori pillow.

The Mayukori Pillows retail at Kuuala from $59.49 to $109.49, from child to adult sizes and they come in numerous styles.  With a 2-year guarantee and a 10-year lifespan, I think that the price is totally worth it!  Buying a good quality pillow is as important as buying a good quality mattress, and when you consider that you will spend an average of 7-8 hours with your head on a pillow (and your children may spend up to 12 hours doing the same), quality really should come first.

Check out Kuuala online at http://ca.kuuala.com/ for a complete list of brands and products.  One of the most awesome things that Kuuala offers to consumers that most websites cannot offer, is FREE SHIPPING and FREE RETURNS across Canada, with no minimum purchase required!  They also offer a 6-month return policy.  Now that's great customer service!

You can also follow Kuuala on Facebook and Twitter and Google+.  Help support this Toronto-based online company and in turn, support and protect our beautiful Earth!

From Nana's Kitchen - Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Growing up I constantly watched my mother cook and bake, and I helped out as often as possible.  One invaluable tip that I learned from watching my mom in the kitchen was how to supplement ingredients and change recipes when needed.  And that is probably why I have such a hard time following a recipe without making my own adjustments.  To this day, I'm still learing from her and calling her every time I need culinary advise or help with a recipe.

This past weekend we had my in-laws over for a triple birthday celebration (for Big-A, Lil-J and I) and I had it in my mind that I would bake gluten-free cupcakes for Lil-J, and a red velvet cake for the rest of us.  I had all the ingredients to make a homemade cream cheese frosting and sent hubby out to find the cake mix.  After a failed search for red velvet cake mix at our local grocery store, I was left with chocolate cake and cream cheese frosting...not exactly a match made in heaven!  I also had very little time to make any major changes to the dessert menu.  What to do?!

So I picked up the phone and called mom, asking her what I could do to fix my frosting fiasco.  I quickly wrote down her instructions, and made one of the best batches of homemade frosting that I have ever tasted!  I could eat the entire bowl with a spoon, it's that good!  And here it is:

Nana's Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:
1 250g package of plain cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/4 cups icing sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder

Directions:

1. Cream the cream cheese and butter together until you have a smooth consistency.
2. Add the vanilla and milk, and mix until combined.
3. Sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder.
4. 1 cup at a time, add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating until combined.
5. If the frosting is too thick, add milk 1 tsp at a time until you have the desired consistency.  If the frosting is too wet, add icing sugar 1 tsp at a time until you have the desired consistency.
6. Refrigerate in a covered bowl or container until 30 minutes before you're ready to use.  Allow to soften at room temperature 30 mins before spreading onto a cake or cupcakes.

This super creamy frosting spreads perfectly onto cake.

TO. DIE. FOR.

This frosting is very creamy, chocolatey, and has a delicious tanginess from the cream cheese.  It's a perfect match for any cake flavour.  And if you're at all intimidated by the thought of making homemade buttercream frosting, this is an easy alternative!

DISCLAIMER: Not all the food products used in this recipe are certified "Gluten Free". I do, however, causiously check all food labels and Brand websites before making my gluten free desserts. If you have gluten allergy concerns,

I suggest you do the same.

March Break Fun For This Kinder® Family!

March Break is just around the corner - yay!  I remember during my school days, being so excited about having an entire week off from school just to have fun!  Big-A is literally counting down the days to next week, carefully placing an 'X' on each day that passes.  Lil-J has no concept of March Break yet, but I'm sure he'll be pleased to have his big bro with him for a week straight!

March Break entertainment doesn't have to mean breaking your budget.  There are many ways to make each day fun without spending any money at all!

Movie Nights

• With no school the next day, many children will stay up a little later than usual.  I have a mid-week movie night planned with Big-A.  We love watching movies together, and a home movie with a bowl of popcorn and a bottle of sparkling water is definitely budget-friendly.

Picnic Lunch

• Last summer, I had posted about treating my boys to an at home picnic lunch.  We've done this many times since, and March Break is the perfect time to plan this fun lunchtime activity for your kids.  Put on their favourite tv show or movie, place a big blanket on the floor and serve up picnic-type foods like cheese & crackers, fresh veggies with dip and pita chips with hummus.  Buy some fun, colourful staws for their drinks to make the picnic extra special!

Fun In The Kitchen

• Let your kids join in the fun of preparing meals, by allowing them to wash or cut veggies or by setting the table.  Use this time to bake an extra special treat like chocolate chip cookies, and up the yum factor by turning them into Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches!

Stay Local & Free

• On a lazy Sunday a few weeks ago, we decided to visit Toronto's High Park Zoo with the boys.  We hadn't been there since Big-A was 2 years old and too much time had passed - we just had to go again!  I love High Park - it's only a 20-minute drive from our home in Oakville, and it's like being in a different world.  The trails and the ponds make it an idea place to spend the day.  The zoo features many different animals that you don't have to walk for hours to see.  It's all outdoors, and very small - perfect for little ones.  And the best part?  It's FREE!  If you live in the GTA, why not make a day trip to High Park, walk along the paths and visit the zoo!

Don't Let Work Ruin The Fun

• My husband and I both work through March Break every year.  We save our vacay days for the summer months.  This year, though, we both decided to book off the Friday of March Break.  Whether we plan something outside of the house, or just hang out at home, it will be a great day!  If you have to work every day during March Break, plan special activities for after dinner or during the weekend.  Your kids will be happy just spending time with you!

My boys smiling under an 'umbrella tree' at Toronto's High Park Zoo!
Created using Kinder® Canada's My KINDER® Moments app on Facebook.

Being a proud #KINDERMom again, I can definitely think of another way to make any March Break moment extra special.  Treat your little ones (and yourself!) to a Kinder® Surprise® and you're guaranteed smiles all around.  With the perfect mix of quality chocolate and a fun toy, it's a great way to enjoy those little moments, the ones that really matter.

Kinder® Canada launched a new line of toys for 2012, and you can view the collection (over 70!) on their Facebook page.  On this page, you can join in family-friendly conversation, and make sure to check out the My KINDER® Moments app as well.  Using this app, you can create your own framed Facebook photos capturing your favourite family moments to share with all of your friends and family!  And with every moment you capture using the My KINDER® Moments app, you are instantly entered to win monthly cash prizes.  Double the awesomeness!

I also encourage you to visit the Kinder® Canada website at http://haveyouplayedtoday.ca/ for nutritional & product information. You will also find some handy tabs such as Ideas For Creative Playtime, Playful Events Near You, and Development Interests For Parents.

Don't stress about how to keep your kids occupied and entertained during March Break.  Have fun, relax and enjoy this precious family time!

I’m part of the KINDER® Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.

The opinions on this blog are my own

Nature Clean ~ Solutions For A Toxin-Free Home

I've always been open to trying natural, chemical-free products in my home.  From cleaning to laundry to body, I've been very impressed with some brands, and definitely less than impressed by others. 

When approached to try out Nature Clean products, I was more than happy to give them a try!  I was very familiar with the brand, seeing their products at grocery and department stores week after week.  And I LOVE Canadian-made products!  Nature Clean generously sent me a selection of products to test out, and my family started using them immediately.

Pure-Sensitive Shampoo/Conditioner
This is my absolute favourite Nature Clean product and deserves the top spot in this post!  Since receiving my samples of the Pure-Sensitive Shampoo & Conditioner, I have purchased more bottles myself and will continue to do so.  I have suffered with psoriasis on my scalp since age 21 and as with any autoimmune disorder, I have good days, so-so days, and bad days.  The shampoos that I use to treat my scalp sometimes hurt, and always leave my hair resembling straw (requiring different products to make my hair manageable).  Upon my first shampoo with Nature Clean Pure-Sensitive, my scalp was instantly soothed and my hair was left squeaky clean.  And the conditioner made my hair silky smooth.
Since I've started using this line of shampoo and conditioner, I have received numerous compliments on my shiny soft hair.  I have also used the shampoo on both my sons and have had no issues at all.  I am very careful with using shampoo on Lil-J due to his skin problems, and Nature Clean has caused no reaction.  I would recommend this shampoo & conditioner to anyone!

The Specs:

• Biodegradable
• Safe for colour-treated hair
• Products ideal for cottage use as they are Septic Tank & Grey Water Safe
• Made without parabens, sulphates (SLS & SLES), phthalates, propylene glycol, silicone, PEG (polyethylene glycol), phosphates, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances or dyes

Sensitive Bath Bar
As with the Pure-Sensitive Shampoo, my skin was left squeaky clean after using the Sensitive Bath Bar.  But it was not at all irritated or dry.  I've also used it on my children and have had the same results.  I have been using the same brand of moisturizing bar soap for over 15 years, and will continue to use it through the cold winter months.  During the warmer months, though, I will definitely use Nature Clean's Sensitive Bath Bar, when moisturizing isn't necessary.

The Specs:

• 100% natural ingredients
• Gently cleans and moisturizes skin without irritation
• Unscented and Dermatologist Tested

Treehouse^TM Natural Wipes
I don't find much difference in the selection of baby wipes that I've used on my children.  I always by unscented wipes, and my boys have never reacted to them.  I, on the other hand, have reacted to them.  Along with having sensitive skin, I was also blessed with extremely sensitive eyes.  Make-up remover has never been an option for me as it always leaves my eyes and eyelids extremely irritated.  Instead, I use baby wipes.  Some brands that I've used irritate my eyes, but Nature Clean Natural Wipes do not irritate my eyes at all.  While using them on Lil-J's tushy, I was impressed at how thick the wipes are.  And, after reading the ingredients list, I wouldn't think twice about using them on the boy's hands to clean them. 

The Specs:

• Biodegradable
• Great for use on hands, face, body and bum
• Dermatologist Tested
• Free of alcohol, chlorine, parebens, sulphates and petroleum ingredients
• Wheat, nut and gluten free

Fruit & Veggie Spray Wash
To be honest, I was unsure about this product.  I can remember when fruit & veggie washing sprays first hit the market and I've never really been convinced to try them.  I don't exclusively buy organic fruits and vegetables for my family, and buying non-organic is something that I don't stress over.  I do, however, wash many of the fruits and veggies that I buy with dish soap (cucumbers, melons, apples, peppers) and decided that I might as well give the spray wash a try.
Most pesticide residue cannot be removed with water alone because pesticides are water-resistant, ensuring that they don't get washed away by rain water.  Nature Clean Fruit & Veggie Spray helps to remove surface pesticides, chemicals, bacteria, wax and dirt.  It has a mild scent straight out of the bottle, but once rinsed off of produce leaves no scent or residue.  I am not a chemist, and really can't tell if the ingredients in this spray wash are good for my family or not.  But I trust Nature Clean and their products, and I trust that they are safe for my family.  I will continue to use this spray.


I am very happy with the results of the Nature Clean products that I tried, and this Canadian-made brand is now part of my regular list of brands that will be in my home and available to my family.  Check out the Nature Clean website and their line of products, and give them a try!