About Me

helwa_juffriHi, I am Helwa Juffri. I own and operate GreenVanillaStore.com, an ecosensitive online business located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia selling organic single-sourced vanilla beans, halal gourmet condiments, artisan gourmet products, handcrafted aromatic and natural beauty products. I used to live life in the fast lane, but now has retired from the rat-race choosing to become a ‘reluctant’ housewife/homemaker, walk slowly, live a simple life, spend more time with those whom I love most and to discover the beauty of being a good human-being…  I try to live my life in accordance to the ideals of voluntary simplicity, I am a die-hard supporter for Truth-in-Labeling movement and believes that the well-being of the Earth is our collective responsibility. I am totally opposed to  irresponsible marketing, branding and mis-leading ad-campaigns. And I try to integrate these principles into my business. I hope my ramblings in this blog will bring my customers closer to me so that they can put a face to the person behind  GreenVanillaStore.com and also for them to find out the latest news, info and whatever happens to be happening around the store.

16 Responses so far »

  1. 1

    HS Wong said,

    UTC06000000Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:15:50 +00005030pm09, @ 6:15 pm

    Hi,
    I own a certified organic farm. I wonder if I can grow some things for you to use in your own formulations? It has to be win, win, of cos. Just a thought.
    Visit my blog if you have the time.

    Regards

    HS Wong

    Reply
    • 2

      helwa said,

      UTC01000000Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:22:53 +00005307pm09, @ 1:22 pm

      Thanks for dropping by and thanks for the offer. Fabulous blog and conservation effort…

      I have special preferences for small localized producers and I’d really love to get my hands on our very own locally produced wildcrafted pure essential oils especially of galangal, ginger, lime, ylang-ylang…and of course, locally produced organic carrier oils/butters like tamanu (bintangor), candlenut, cocoa and mango butters… commercially produced oils lacked the ‘spirit’, therapeutic potency and ‘beneficial vibration’ when compared those produced from wild-harvested one or at least organically grown in its natural environment…but am yet to find an agro effort in Malaysia not soiled by commercialism, maybe this is where you can fill in the blanks…

      …Anyway, I’m just a small time ‘peddler’…but thanks for the offer, I’ll think about it :)

      Reply
  2. 3

    HS Wong said,

    UTC01000000Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:12:50 +00005025pm09, @ 1:12 pm

    Hi,
    So far I have found that galangal, curcuma caesia, tulsi and kacip fatimah grows very well in my farm. Maybe the woman’s ministry can give you a grant to produce oils and we can do a loose jv to plant ‘em.

    Just a thought (btw, dont feel pressured; just happened to like the way you write, that’s all).

    Thanks for visiting my blog.

    Reply
  3. 5

    HS Wong said,

    UTC05000000Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:35:49 +00004931pm09, @ 5:35 pm

    Hi Helwa,
    I am enjoying grinding up fresh leaves and plants that I gather in my farm and drinking ‘em. So far, no upset tummy!
    Latest – 5 young leaves from the lemon plant, some young leaves from the black kunyit, handful of pegaga, some young leaves from the cekur plant, 3 makisar fruits, some himalayan salt. Blend it with some water. Tastes good and psychologically feels better.

    Best wishes for the new year; for you, your family and your indie biz.

    Reply
    • 6

      helwa said,

      UTC05000000Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:42:57 +00005701pm10, @ 5:42 pm

      I am green with envy that you have all those lovely fresh and organic aromatic herbs and plants at your disposal daily….and LEMONS…I love lemons! Well, judging from the ingredients used in the tisane I bet it’s absolutely tasty and very nutritious as it contains most of the trace minerals needed by the body. It’s mildly diuretic, tonic and blood purifying too.

      Mmm..about lemon leaves, try this nutritious recipe: crush 10 fresh lemon leaves (matured, dark green leaves contains more minerals) in 5-6 cups of boiling water. Steep for about 5 minutes before serving. You may sweeten it up with some honey/agave nectar or even add a cup of milk to the brew. Makes a really nourishing drink for children too.

      Lemon leaf (as other citrus leaf, but lemon is more powerful) is aromatic and rich in linalool and limonene. It is said to have a sedative and antispasmodic properties. When taken as an infusion (steep 1 oz of shredded fresh leaves in a container with 1 quart of boiling water, close lid tight and leave overnight, then strain)- taken a cup twice daily for a month it can help relieve/reduce insomnia, mild cramps, migraine, asthmatic symptoms, palpitations and nervousness. A cup at night before bedtime may promote relaxation and deep sleep. To relieve sore throat, coughs and asthmatic symptoms add some honey to the infusion.

      Chopped lemon leaves can be used to add some zing to salads and soft cheeses, to garnish soups, enhance mushroom dishes and fish entrees. Whole lemon leaves can be used to wrap meatball, mozarella, fish, meat patties, chicken pieces for grilling.

      BTW, thanks and a very Happy New Year to you and everyone at the farm too. This year, with the latest addition to the family, I’m slowing down a bit :) Anyway I’m a lemon fan and it’s great that you’re growing lemons…organically! Are there any lemons or lemon leaf tea up for sale? Or maybe we can barter some of my vanilla beans with some of your organic lemons :) ..?

      Reply
  4. 7

    HS said,

    UTC12000000Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:19:09 +00000917pm10, @ 12:19 pm

    Hi Helwa,sorry been bz. congrats on your new baby. Can u introduce me to the person who is doing your website? I want to start some online biz too and I like the simplicity of your website design. BTW have succeeded in growing the first organic watermelon in Msia. Now working on a system to grow in commercial quantity. Will send u some lemons once they start fruiting. Nice to see your biz is doing well. Best Wishes, HS Wong

    Reply
    • 8

      helwa said,

      UTC01000000Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:28:58 +00005830am10, @ 1:28 am

      Thank you very much.

      I’ve received your email. I’m very sorry for the very late response. Exhaustion finally has taken its toll….need plenty of rest coz I feel so drained out. Site maintenance + operating an online biz should be handled by 2 persons :D . I think I need to delegate my work, then meditate awhile….

      Anyway, an online presence is a great idea! You shoud sell your fabulous products online. Will mail you the details soon.

      Reply
  5. 9

    Khomala said,

    UTC03000000Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:52:15 +00001509pm10, @ 3:52 pm

    Hi. I read with utter sadness that you’re going on break. I still have a the vanilla stash I bought from you last year but where will I go if I need more? :( Just wanted to check if we can still buy them from you while you’re on your break? and is this break for good or are you planning to re-open greenvanillastore eventually?

    Reply
  6. 12

    siti aznida said,

    UTC04000000Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:07:51 +00005105pm10, @ 4:07 pm

    Hi, I came to across your greenvanilla online store, and i am wondering if u still sell those vanilla products such as halal vanilla extract and powder.

    I am planning to purchase them just for home baking use as it is quite difficult to find them in supermarkets.

    Thank you…

    Reply
  7. 14

    Guillermo Cardona said,

    UTC08000000Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:01:58 +00005831pm11, @ 8:01 pm

    I read your article were you mention Hacienda Las Nubes coffee.
    I would like to thank you for your kind words.
    We ara Certified Premium Specialty coffee and represented Puert Rico in last year’s SCAA convention.
    PLease contact us at haciendalasnubes@aol.com or call 787-202-5636.

    Saludos;
    Guillermo Cardona

    Reply
  8. 15

    sathi said,

    UTC01000000Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:51:39 +00003905pm11, @ 1:51 pm

    Dear Helwa,
    i found your web simply blissful ….your make me feel “oh-so-good” about residing in Malaysia …..will be soon purchasing some stuff from your store…esp vanilla beans for my cakes and also sandalwood oil etc…..
    Rgds,
    anu

    Reply

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