The Kinder Soap Company

Ever since our new servant arrived (I’m so thankful for her lending her energy to keeping this household clean!) I’ve been actively weeding out a lot of old junk from our shelves and cupboards in the apartment. Looking at the (shameful) piles of unused toys, clothing, books etc. got me thinking about how my family is currently practising the 3R’s — Reduce, Reuse, Recyle — and how we can do more. We’re not just talking about a once-off spring cleaning exercise, but as a sustained part of our lifestyle.

So in this blogpost I’d like to share with you some of the things that we do in our household in an effort to lessen our contribution to landfills, and also our impact on Nature itself. What’s important was determining what worked for us realistically, given that we live in an apartment in the city, and the lifestyle that we currently have. Some ideas here could work for you too. Or perhaps you can chime in with your own experiences with making the 3R’s a part of your life — I’d love to hear your stories! Read more

Oh finally, oh joy, Kinder Soaps is now able to process your payments securely using PayPal, for a more complete online shopping experience! You’ll see it as a payment option as you make your way through the checkout process.

In other news, we found out today that we’ll be expecting a baby boy in June. :”> I’m just glad that with all the rushing around with my two little monkeys, baby no. 3 is growing very nicely.

I’m also happy to announce that I’m gearing up for this year’s Chinese New Year and Valentine’s double celebration by whipping up new soap recipes to fill your gift baskets! Also in the pipeline is a purifying french green clay facial mask which I am still perfecting, meant for congested and sensitive skin that needs some extra cleansing and pampering. Hoping to unveil that within the coming week.

Happy weekend!

It’s been 19 days since my last post—I’m so sorry to have left you all news-less for over 2 weeks! Let me tell you about some shop updates with regards to Christmas gifts, and also about what’s been going on in the household with regards to new family members and what a typical day for me is like.

Okay firstly, I’ve been taking a few orders for Christmas gift sets, whether custom made or as listed here. Making gift baskets is so much fun, I don’t tire of putting them together and making each one unique! I’ll find the time to upload some photos of baskets that I have done.

(Also, big thank-yous to my customers who have been stocking up on their soap as part of their own routine purchases, you really help keep Kinder Soaps afloat! And I’m really glad to know that your skin conditions have improved as well.)

In other news, our newest family member would like to say hello. Meet Kacang, our beautiful, spirited Siamese Fighting Fish, otherwise known as betta splendens. He darts around his little tank perched on the shelf above my workstation so we keep each other company. He tells me when he’s hungry by swimming left and right repeatedly at the bottom of his tank, and swimming to the surface when I show him his jar of fish food. Smart little chappy.

I’ve been spending LOTS of time in the kitchen. Unfortunately not making soap, but churning out meals for the family as often as I can. Managing the household has been a challenge for my husband and me, but I reckon we’re getting into a comfortable routine these days. With the two kids there is no shortage of cleaning to do. Thankfully, Brandon is more than happy to help with some easier chores like loading up the washing machine and dryer so it keeps him happy, while Andrea is quite contented to empty my lingerie drawers and place her stickers all over the sofa. Stepping back and assessing my daily activities, it really looks like 24 hours of cooking and eating, interspersed with chasing after the kids, cleaning them and whatever else, and sleep.

On the even brighter side of it, I’ve been making stuff like vichyssoise, pumpkin soup, bak kut teh, pasta baskes, oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies… Here’s the spinach and cheese tart on a shortcrust pastry base that’s going on the table tonight for dinner. Cooking is a big effort for me, but the results are always worth it. Plus I know there aren’t any funny ingredients going into what my family eats.

And finally, here’s a shot of Andrea at play, just for fun.

Ah, Life.

Just when I thought things were settling down after my mother’s passing, our maid tried to run away a few days ago. After sending her back to the agency, and without a viable replacement in sight for at least 3 months, my husband and I have been neck deep with house chores and managing the kids. The initial 2 days were madness but we’re getting used to all the juggling now.

So I think up till early next year it doesn’t look like I’ll be able to run any bazaar stalls for Kinder Soaps. I’ll miss meeting you all in person. But I’ll still be taking orders over the phone and through this website, so don’t worry if you need to restock your soap supplies, or even make that Christmas hamper you’ve been thinking about.

Another reason why I have to slow down a little is because I’m expecting baby number 3. :”> I’m about 9 weeks along now so managing energy levels is a tricky business at the moment. And it’s also interesting (and amusing) how some essential oils that I used to like now make me feel like throwing up.

Ah, Life. You take care now, and have a wonderful week ahead.

My mom has finally gone to be with the Lord, breathing her last yesterday evening. While she will be dearly missed, we feel even more grateful that she no longer suffers and is in a far better place now.

Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers.