Product Review: Baby Moby PH

I am not really a fan of baby wipes. I am using do-it-yourself wipes to my twins to make sure they're safe from any harmful chemicals.

Last Sunday, I received sample products from Baby Moby PH and one of them is baby wipes. Aside from its attractive yellow packaging, what really attracted me the most is the 99.9% pure water content of the product. In fact, it is called Baby Moby Pure Water Wipes. So I was relieved to know that I am going to use no alcohol, no fragrance, no fluorescence and no paraben wipes to my twins' skin. It is also dermatologically tested hypoallergenic and it has Vitamin E and aloe vera so definitely safe for my twins. I used it to wipe my twins' bums during regular nappy change and there was also an instance that I used it to wipe their faces and necks. It is soft and cloth-like, no roughness that might harm my twins. The wipes are also 3D honeycomb pattern which makes moisture last longer compared to other wipes. Using the wipes is like just using my DIY wipes.

Another Baby Moby product that I've got the chance to try for myself is Baby Moby Large Cotton Balls. It is made from 100% natural cotton and fluorescence free. Its zip locked packaging guarantees that it is hygienic. I used one cotton ball to apply toner on my face, but since it is large, I suggest that Baby Moby Standard Cotton Balls should be used for this certain function instead. These large cotton balls are thrice the size of a standard one to ensure better absorbency, that's why it can be a good replacement for baby wipes when cleaning up baby's bum during nappy change, if you're hesitant to use wipes.

I also used Baby Moby Cotton Pads standard size to apply toner on my face. It was soft and smooth, no roughness compared to other brands that I have used before. I recommend it also for removing make-ups. Like the cotton balls, it's also in a zip locked packaging. It is lint free, adhesive free and fluorescence free. Again, can be a good alternative to baby wipes. They also have its large version, Baby Moby Jumbo Cotton Pads, which I think is a better baby wipes substitute. Other Baby Moby products include Baby Moby Breastmilk Storage Bags, Baby Moby Mini Cotton Buds, Baby Moby Big Cotton Buds, Baby Moby Sterile Gauze Pads and Baby Moby Disposable Breastpads.

Other Baby Moby products include Baby Moby Breastmilk Storage Bags, Baby Moby Mini Cotton Buds, Baby Moby Big Cotton Buds, Baby Moby Sterile Gauze Pads and Baby Moby Disposable Breastpads.

To know more about this very interesting line of baby products, visit and like Baby Moby PH on Facebook and follow them on Instagram @babymobyph.

Baby Moby products that we have tried.

Giveaway Alert: Mozzie Mozzie Go Away

Rainy season also means mosquito season. Mosquitoes carry different kinds of diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis. That's why it is important to protect our children's skin from them by using mosquito repellent lotion. However, some lotions use pesticides that may be harmful to your children's skin. Thanks to organic products like Buds Organics, certified by EcoCert, it is safe even to babies' delicate skin. 

Introducing, Buds Organics' Mozzie Clear Lotion. It has citronella oil, its scent is known to keep mosquitoes away.

Win one (1) Mozzie Clear Lotion from Buds Baby Philippines by simply following these three (3) simple steps:

1. Like Buds Baby Philippines on Facebook and follow @budsbaby.ph on Instagram.

2. Follow @meettheagarans on Instagram.

3. Share my post Product Review: Buds Baby Philippines on your Facebook account and tag at least two of your mommy friends. Your post should be set to public.

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3 to win! The lucky winner will be announced on July 1, 2017!

Good luck moms! :)

Product Review: Buds Baby Philippines

Before, I thought that as long as I'm using baby products that are paraben-free on my children's skin, they're safe. Unfortunately, most baby products still contain other chemicals that maybe harmful to their skin. 

Now, I have been given the opportunity to try and review a line of products which I didn't hesitate to use on my children simply because they're organic. Not just simply organic though, but EcoCert certified organic. Let me introduce to you, Buds Organics, a line of products originally from Malaysia but is currently being distributed in different parts of the world including the Philippines.

The best thing I like about Buds Organics is that it was discovered out of a father's love. A father, who got tired of using nasty chemicals to his daughters' extra sensitive skin, has used natural resources available, and with proper training, he created Buds Organics.  He's none other than the Director of Buds Organics, KK Soo.

Buds Baby Philippines, the official distributor of Buds Organics in the country, has shared with me different baby products to choose from. Let me share with you the products that I have personally tried on my children and their surprising effects:

Infant Head to Toe Cleanser: The twins sweat a lot especially their heads. Two to three hours after bathing, their heads would smell sour again due to sweat. Though this cleanser has a mild scent, the first time I used it on my babies, surprisingly, the sour smell was gone, even after hours of sweating. 

Infant Cream: I used this cream instead of oil in massaging my babies. I love that it doesn't have a sticky feel on my babies' skin. I also love its mild sweet scent.

Nappy Time Change Cream: After healing my twins' diaper rashes, I used this to protect my babies bum. No more rashes for my twins!

Super Soothing Hydrating Cleanser: Dale had roseola infantum (tigdas hangin) and was cranky probably because of the itch. I used this cleanser on him followed by Super Soothing Rescue Lotion. Since this line of products are specifically made for extra sensitive baby's skin, I chose to use them on Dale's skin when he had roseola due to their anti-itch property. I was also amazed that both products have prebiotics or healthy bacteria which can restrain the growth of bad bacteria on skin.  Of course, the most important thing is, no more cranky Dale!

Nappy Time Soothing Cream: This cream is another rescue to my twins. I have switched to a brand of diaper pants and unfortunately, my babies' bums didn't approve it. Though I have my zinc oxide ointment ready, I used this soothing cream instead. This cream healed the rashes in less than 24 hours. Amazing!

Children's Toothpaste (3-12 years): Kiera loves green apple flavor while Addy prefers the peppermint flavor. They love the no sting feels in their mouths while brushing.

As a mom, I wouldn't hesitate to invest on my babies' skin safety. So, I think Buds Organics would be a great alternative to expensive products that still uses chemicals instead of natural ingredients. I really hope that this line of products will be available in leading stores soon. But for now, to learn more about Buds Organics and where to find them, visit Buds Baby Philippines and follow them on Instagram @budsbaby.ph. 

Me Time is Their Time

Aside from taking care of the kids and the house, there are some errands to be made like bills paying, grocery shopping, school meeting and a lot more. I also make it a point, as much as possible, that both me and my husband can spend some time with our friends separately, and without the kids. But since it's just us taking care of the children, time management is the key to make everything possible.

I usually do most of the errands, since my husband is not into details and he hates filling out any kind of forms. Believe it or not, I have never enjoyed running errands until I became a mom. I know my fellow moms know what I mean. Running errands usually take an hour or two, so let's stop the guilt already! Grocery shopping is my stress-reliever, I usually take my time pushing the cart in every aisle. Running errands is also my time to eat anything I want, streetfood for example, without explaining to the little people why they can't eat what I'm eating. I can also wear my favorite dangling earrings without worrying that a little hand might pull it. Yes, I'm doing the simple pleasures and again, I'm pushing the mom guilt away.

On the other hand, I'm also worrying about leaving the kids and the house alone with daddy and he knows why, hahaha! This is so hard to explain in words, but these photos can:

I also love how we allow each other (my husband and I), most of the time, to go out with friends and just enjoy. This usually happens once or twice a month. Like last night, I went on a group date with my friends, and tonight my husband will attend a "boys' night out" with his friends. We also tell our children about this.

Two hours of nonstop chatting with two of my good friends and ex-bosses.

The only thing that maybe we can't manage right now is dating. As in husband and wife alone dating thing. And we really think it's OK. We just make sure that we still find some quality time together even if sometimes, it's really hard to do so.

Happy First Day of School!

During vacation, Addy was telling me how she missed her teachers and classmates in her old school so I was a bit worried of how her first day in the big school would turn out. She also became a bit clingy, she doesn't want me to go somewhere without her. 

First day of school, I accompanied her. I'm proud to say though, that from Nursery to Junior Kinder, she never cried during first day of school. But there might be a different story this time. While on our way to school, Addy was asking a lot of questions like, "Are you gonna wait for me?" and "Will you just stay near the door [of my classroom]?" So I was thinking, I should ready myself, it looked like someone will cry later. We were a bit early, she was the first one to enter the room, but after less than five minutes, few of her classmates arrived. At first, she picked a place where no one was there but her. Then, her classmates' parents invited her to join the group for some first-day-of-school pictorial. She joined them and she started to mingle with them. I was relieved. When I told her that I have to leave her, no violent reaction at all, just "see you later mommy." I was so proud of my little girl!

At first, she chose to be alone.

Then, tadaaa! All smile with her boyfriends (LOL). You can see that her smile here is a lot happier than the first one :)

Going home, she was very enthusiastic in telling me how her first day of school was. "Mommy, my teacher's name is Grace. Then I have another teacher, she's Teacher Jelly, but she's not a food, it's just her name is like a food." Hahaha! She also showed me her purple paper puppet that she made. 

I am happy knowing that she enjoyed her first day in school. I am hoping she'll enjoy the coming days as well. But knowing Addy, my cheerful and friendly Addy, I know she will. Besides, I'll be here for her during the tough days if there'll be any. I'm so glad that I didn't miss this part though. :)

Meanwhile in our home,

Daddy had to take care of the twins, it's a good thing he's on the afternoon shift.

Our Fun and Chaotic Father's Day!

We decided to celebrate Father's day a little early because our Sunday will be busy preparing for school.  Our big family went to Marquee Mall and had dinner first at Xtremely Xpresso, then the girls had fun at the park and we ate lots of sugar.

The fun part:

Did you ever wonder how a big family prepare for the fun? What happens in between the fun? Or what happens after the fun? Here comes the chaotic part. And believe me, I am the most tired member of the family here!

Warning: These photos are not in any way Facebook or Instagram worthy! Hahahaha!

We started preparing at 4pm and went to the mall at 6pm. Daddy bathed the twins while I helped the girls. Then I dressed up the twins while the girls were waiting for their hair to be fixed. Daddy and I were moving from one place to another. Before, we never really thought that we can take care of everybody without anyone's help. But now, we are doing everything all by ourselves like pros.

In between, there was Landrei banging my plate at the restaurant and there was Lyndale who didn't want a non-moving stroller. There was also Kiera who was scared of going on top of the carousel's horse all by herself, then there was Addy who wanted to go out of the restaurant because she was cold. Not to mention daddy's big appetite and my post-natal baby bangs popping out while taking photos :). Yes, we firmly believed that there's fun in chaos!

I am blessed to have my husband, much more are the kids to have their father. He's our real life superhero and nobody does everything better for us than him. So, this one's for you dad:

First Day of School Drama (Mommy Edition)

She's all set for her first day of school.

Since I became a mother, my tear glands became more active than ever. Ask my husband, he laughs at me sometimes. 

June 14, 2017 was Kiera's first day in the big school as a first grader. I knew she was excited because she was wide awake with just one call from me when I woke her up. It was crying time again for me because I realized how she has grown. I was just seated the whole time while watching her do her thing all by herself. She needed a little help in putting her uniform and socks on and tying her hair, but that was it! She was all ready to go!

I'm not really sure if I had tears of joy or tears of sadness that day. Sometimes, I hate that time runs so fast. That little baby who used to be very dependent on me is now little by little doing things by herself. Don't get me wrong, I love every milestone, but I can't imagine the day she will no longer need me for anything. 

She was gone from 6AM to 1PM, and I missed her. By 12PM, I was already standing in front of the door and waiting for her. I was so excited to ask her how her first day of school went. And so she arrived. She talked about her classroom and her yellow table in particular, which she loves because it can be opened and she can put her things inside. She also talked about her classmates and her teacher. I was so glad that we get to talk together about these things. I hope and pray that when she's really all grown up, she can still talk to me about anything.

Motherhood sometimes hurt. Though we love to keep our children in our arms forever, we have to accept the fact that they're growing and soon, they will spread their wings and fly on their own. Afterall, we are the one teaching them how to fly. (More tears!)

The Agaran Twins

My Journey with the Twins from Pregnancy to Present

January 1, 2016. Overwhelmingly blessed to have another life growing inside me. Lord we are so honored for you have trusted us again with your greatest creation. We are so happy with the addition! What a great way to start the year! Positive 2016!

February 13, 2016. I was confined due to excessive vomiting and dehydration. It was the 12th week of my pregnancy. I also found out that I had early signs of gestational diabetes mellitus, thus I was put on a strict diet. 

February 13, 2016. Our first glimpse of the Agaran twins. It was magical and unbelievable when we heard the news! I'm not just carrying one but two babies inside my tummy.

March 8, 2016. My last day of work. I gave up my work to make sure nothing will go wrong with my pregnancy. A little baby bump was showing here already.

May 8, 2016. We celebrated Mother's Day here. I was also happy that vomiting had lessened.

My five months baby bump!

May 15, 2016. Gender revealed! Another magical moment for me and my husband when we heard that we were having baby boys. It was an answered prayer!

May 18, 2016. It was supposed to be an ordinary visit to the OB, but I suddenly threw up and ran out of breath. After five hours of observation and series of lab tests, my doctor sent me home.

July 18, 2016. Fetal and possible contractions monitoring. This was a requirement every other week until the babies are ready to come out. Everything was fine, no premature labor was detected. This was also the day we found out that I'll be giving birth by c-section due to the babies' changing positions, one is in cephalic while the other is in breech position. 

August 15, 2016. I asked hubby to take a picture of me on my last day of being pregnant with the twins. After that, we went straight to the hospital.

August 16, 2016. I finally met my two little miracles. Lyndale was born at 8:57am while Landrei was born at exactly 9:00am.

August 20, 2016. The twins were finally home. They had to stay in the hospital due to newborn jaundice. They had series of photo therapy because they were born on a stormy week, Mr. Sun can't help us with their yellowish skin. 

From big tummy to two little babies. I am so blessed to have them in my life.

December 25, 2016. Our first family picture with the twins.

The growing Agaran twins. Time runs so fast, they're going to be one soon.

My Invisible CROWN

When I was a few months away to giving birth to my twins, I was already panicking because I haven't found a helper yet. A lot of things were running through my mind. How can I take care of the twins and two preschoolers all by myself? Well, I'll have my husband for a week but after that, I'll probably have a little help from him. What about the house, the laundry, the food, my homebased job? I was like a clown joggling these thoughts in my head. Will I ever survive?

Today is more or less a year after that panic and all those thoughts. I still don't have a helper but I have learned to wear my invisible c.r.o.w.n. 👑 to survive.

C is for the courage to win my daily battle. I made a daily checklist of my chores. I planned my day ahead of time. I downloaded a cool app to remind me of everything. But guess what? None of them worked. There are days when I think I haven't done anything right. And there are days when I give myself a pat in the back for doing a great job. No matter how my day ends, I realized that the courage to stand up in the morning is always the most important thing. It's the courage to face another day full of surprises and uncertainties just because four lovely little creatures and their daddy are counting on me.

R is for the respect I give myself and my children (including my husband). Most days if not all are challenging. I have to disagree with the evil voice telling me to punish myself for not doing a great job. I have to fight hormones and baby blues too! The respect I give myself keeps me sane. It tells me that it's okay to cry when I've had enough because it will make me feel better. It boosts my self-confidence when I'm losing it. Most importantly, it makes me forget the mom guilt. When my patience is all gone, that's when my respect for my children comes. This respect reminds me to calm down whenever I get so mad. It prompts me to change my tone when I start shouting. My favorite part, it makes me think of the hugs and kisses that I might miss.

O is for optimism. I always believe that there's power in words. The more you say it, the more that it will happen. Well, it doesn't always turn out that way but optimism has helped me see the best in everything. It lights up my day. It makes me think of solutions rather than problems. It tells me that when something bad happens, something good is coming my way. In between the day I gave birth to my twins and now, my family had been through a lot. My husband and I used to say that it'll be better soon. It is now.

W is for my willingness to learn from others. Joining some support groups on Facebook especially mommy groups has helped me see my situation from others point of views. Though virtually, I have learned a lot from different moms. It's so important to hear from people who don't know me personally because it eliminates bias judgment. Thus, learning that I am not always right. Of course, I also learn from my extended family, my husband, my friends and my kids. Everyday is a learning process because as a mom, I know there's always something new to learn that can contribute to my growth as a parent and a wife.

N is for "no". I have to accept the fact that I am not wonder woman. I get tired. So sometimes I have to say "no" to myself. No, I can't do the laundry today. No, I can't cook today. No, I can't wash the dishes today. No, I can't stay awake to fold the clothes tonight. The three baskets of laundry today might be four tomorrow. The food I ordered may not taste so good. The pile of dishes might not be pleasing to the eye. I may have a mountain of unfolded clothes on the couch. But you know what? It feels good to sit down or lie down for at least five minutes and do nothing. And so is bathing for more than three minutes. Especially is sleeping while the children are asleep instead of doing more chores. Saying no everyday is a different thing, but saying no once in a while is definitely fine.

God has blessed me with a big family to take care of. I know motherhood can sometimes be tricky and is full of surprises, but I'm wearing my invisible c.r.o.w.n. so I know, I'll be fine. 😇

Girls' Day Out: A Food Review on Snaxx Avenue Angeles

Today, Kiera, Addy and I went to Holy Angel University for their ID picture taking. Commuting from our house to their school was quite stressful for them due to the hot weather and traffic. Much more was walking a certain distance to reach their school. They complained about being hungry and thirsty while still inside the school. While I'm sure that my girls were thinking of going to one of the fast food restaurants nearby, I on the other hand was thinking of bringing them to the newly opened Snaxx Avenue in front of Holy Angel University. I have been seeing their page's posts on my Facebook wall and I've been wanting to taste their food, which is so pleasing to the eye. Since I'm the mom, I get to decide where to go and what to eat (hahaha). 

Snaxx Avenue Angeles Branch was opened last June 2, 2017. It has a seating capacity of 40 and is owned (franchised) by my kids' pretty pediatrician, Dra. Melissa Velasquez. Located in front of Holy Angel University, I'm sure it's going to be a hit to the students. Its first branch was opened in Sta. Lucia, Magalang last December 2016. It is owned by Mr. Neil Sicat, the franchisor. It now has 13 branches (and counting) all over Pampanga, most of them were franchised.  

As a mom, I can't help but look at the prices first before anything else. I was literally shocked with what they meant by "affordable, fun dining experience". They just don't mean affordable, they meant super affordable.

Would you believe that this mouth-watering and tummy-satisfying Snaxx Ave Bacon Supreme is only 95php?
A pink mantou bun +big patty +bacon +cheese +veggies +more cheese = 100% tummy approved by me
Now I know why this is their best seller. Find out for yourself!

So colorful! The kids said yummy too! The Nacho-fries Overload is 180php while the Snaxx Ave Mini-Burgers (not really mini)  is 130 php. Wow! For only 310php and these food can be shared by up to 4 persons. Everything is colored but not flavored, so sorry, you wouldn't be tasting ube or lemon flavored burgers. Though affordable, the taste of the food is not compromised, still very yummy according to my little food reviewers.

Drinks!!! They serve colorful drinks too! Choose between blue, pink, cucumber and original lemonade for only 30php.

They also serve frappes and shakes. Get your favorite frappe, same taste but half the price. Tallest is only 95php, also available are sizes Taller at 85php and Tall for only 75php. Shakes prices from Tall to Tallest are 35php, 45php and 55php. (photo grabbed from Snaxx Avenue - Angeles FB page)

Though the waiting time for the food is not that long, around 5 to 10 minutes, it is still enjoyable especially for these kids, because they get to play Jenga and Cards offered by the staff of Snaxx Avenue. Another wow from me! :)

Here's what it looks like inside Snaxx Avenue - Angeles Branch. Simple place but colorful food, what a nice combination!

With the owner, Dra. Melissa Velasquez and my little food reviewers.

We just experienced an affordable, fun dining! Thanks tita doc! See you again soon Snaxx Avenue Angeles!

So, are you on a tight budget? Worry no more! Eat out without spending too much at Snaxx Avenue Angeles! It is open from 10AM to 9PM daily. Don't forget to like Snaxx Avenue - Angeles Facebook page and follow them on Instagram @snaxxavenue_angeles.

My Daughter Loves Paw Patrol and It's OK

May 23, 2017 was Addy's fifth birthday. She was bugging us all month long of what she wants for her birthday, a Paw Patrol cake. Everyday, we hear questions from her like, "Is it my birthday today?"or "How many more days before my birthday?".

While Kiera loves pink, Disney princesses and anything girly, Addy loves blue and animals like horses, dogs, royal pets among others. She specifically fell in love with Paw Patrol characters. Her favorites are Skye and Everest (the female characters), but I can't deny that she loves them all. She knows their names, their colors, what they are capable of, their rides, etc. by heart. Whenever she and her sister play, Addy always pretends to be one of the Paw Patrol characters. Most of the time she's Skye or Everest, but sometimes she's also Zuma, Chase, Rubble, Rocky, Marshall or even Ryder. She would always tell her sister, "Ate, I'm just pretending to be a boy but I'm a girl, ok?". 

We allow our kids to play whatever toys they want to play, as long as they're safe. They can also roleplay whatever characters they want to be. They can choose the color of their clothes and other things, they don't need to choose pink all the time just because they're girls. We are ditching gender stereotype in our home and just let them enjoy their childhood. I hope you do too :)

Addy and her Paw Patrol cake-like cupcakes. She was very happy!
Mission accomplished! :)

Meet the Paw Patrol. I can't help but promote these beautiful creations by
Annali Flores of Designer Sweets Cakeshop. Super yummy too! :)

My Little Fashion Designer

My husband and I have always seen Kiera's passion for art. It's fascinating how she learned drawing all by herself, though it may be genetic since Daddy is an artist, too. I think her love for Disney characters had helped her in developing her God given talent. Here are some of her works:

The family when mommy was still pregnant with the twins.

Her colorful artworks.

As parents, we vow to give our 100% support to whatever our kids would love to do. However, we don't always have the money to buy expensive materials for her hobby. So, we improvised. She uses back of old photocopies, old crayons, water colors and pencils from school to draw. We realized, materials, expensive or not, will not affect her talent at all. She also loves playing fashion games on our computer. She personally enjoys Roblox's Design it and Fashion Frenzy. 

Last March 31, she graduated from preschool. It wasn't a surprise to us anymore of what she wants to be when she grows up. But she surprised the audience. Most of her classmates, of course, want to be doctors, pilots, engineers, etc. She on the other hand, wants to be a... (Watch the video below to find out! )

Kidzoona on Mommy's Birthday

June 3, 2017, I celebrated my 30th birthday. As a mom, I couldn't think of a tangible thing that can make me happy on this day. My happiness always depends on my children. I decided to take them to the newly-opened playhouse in Marquee Mall, Kidzoona. We all went inside, and paid only 500php for 90 minutes of playtime. Ticket prices are 250php for one kid and one adult, good for 90 minutes of playtime or 400php for three hours. Children below one year old are free of charge (wohooo!). I filled out the ticket form and waited for my turn at the cashier's area, it was quite a long queue, as expected, because it's new and it's weekend. The girls were a little bit bored while waiting for their turn. Finally, I paid and we went inside, wore our socks, then it's time to play! The dollhouse made of wood with little people inside immediately caught my girls' attention. I encouraged them to explore the area because it was quite huge compared to all the playhouses inside the mall combined. I couldn't count how many times I've heard the word "fun" from my girls. I have to admit, I was having fun too! And so is my husband. However, it was quite tiring to carry the boys while we were playing inside, this was the only challenge I think we had. Still, my husband and I had tried our best to capture the memories and the beautiful place. Here's what we've got:

The dollhouse that I'm talking about :)

Giant building blocks

Building from their imagination.

Children jumping up and down the air track

Girls enjoying the cyber wheel

Weeeeeeeeeeee! Giant sliding together

Role playing: Our own flower shop

Slides and ball pit

More sliding!

Back to the flower shop.

Two bouquet of flowers from my girls, so sweet.

Me and Daddy carrying the twins.

When it was time to go, my girls were already asking me when the next visit will be. We will definitely come back soon!

One of the things I love about Kidzoona is that, kids can't stay without their parents or guardians inside. In fact, Kidzoona came from two words - kid and kizuna, a Japanese word which means "the bond between a parent and a child". So yes, it is a place for parents too!

Looking for an educational yet fun place for your children to enjoy? Kidzoona is definitely the place to go! 

More facts: Kidzoona is operated by AEON Fantasy Group Philippines Inc. It's Marquee Mall branch was opened last May 19, 2017. They currently have a total of 29 Kidzoonas in the Philippines and 125 all over Asia. (Source: www.aeonfantasy.com.ph)

Note: This is an unsolicited post.

Meet the Agarans

From left to right: Drei, Mom, Addy, Kiera, Dale, and Daddy