Sponsored post: Agapebabies, one-stop multi-store

Saturday, November 22, 2014

If you haven’t already know, I’m an online buff.  Shopping online is such a joy especially when you are basically trapped at home with two very young kids or stuck at work with hardly any breather in between except to zip from destination A to B. The husband is always ticking me off for clicking away at midnight instead of sleeping. Sleep? What’s that? Especially when Lil K’s sleep these days are so shitty!

So when Agapebabies.com invited me to be their brand ambassador, I was delighted. Agape has been one of the sites I have been visiting for my needs ever since Big K was born. It all happened when we came back from Australia and started Big K on organic formula whilst overseas. Yes, I know, Genius right? Bellamy’s was what we used as it was cheaper over in Aussie. But Alas! It’s not that readily available in Singapore! Well, not in NTUC at least. And I for one, had no time to go on a search round Singapore. Hence when I found out that Agape stocks up a variety of Bellamy items, I was thrilled! Not only did I find the formula we wanted, I didn’t have to leave the comfort of my home! Yay!

 
It is such a breeze to shop at Agape. Everything is so well categorized.

They specialize in baby essentials such as diapers, milk, skincare, organic food, books, toys, carriers, hugeass playmats and others! Reputable diaper and milk formula brands such as Pampers, Huggies, Mamypoko, GOO.N, Bellamy, Pediasure, Isomil and more are on their list so, really, you can simply be in your pyjamas whilst attending to your little ones and cart some of these items into your bag! 


See all the logos? They are currently partnered with over 150 premium brands and retail over 3000 products in store. That is seriously a huge array of items if you ask me! With all these conveniences, Agape is still able to price their products attractively. In fact, several items are cheaper than retail outlets and they have heaps of bundled deals and sale items! As a mother, I am always on lookout for the best deals and this definitely is a welcome to my pocket.


I  couldn't resist buying the above. Small K is starting on solids and it's perfect that Agape stocks up brands like Holle, Bellamy, Healthy Times, Organix, just to name a few. Also, I couldn't resist getting a book or two too. Have such a soft spot for those and was over the moon when I spotted something suitable for Big and Small K. Plus, they were on SALE!

 
Recently, they have tied up with The Sunshine Kids, dedicated to kids apparel, bags and accessories. They've got such a pretty collection of dresses which are so flower girl/ wedding worthy that I'm gonna get a piece for Big K the next time we've got a wedding to attend!


You could also find several familiar brands like Skiphop and Pediped all under one roof. This means their customers can shop between both stores and check out in 1 shopping cart! How convenient! With more stores & products to be added soon, they aim to become a one-stop multi-store for all mummies out there so that shopping can be easy. Psst, I heard more stores will be added real soon!

Additionally, they have incorporated a parenting and lifestyle blog titled The Agape Lifestyle. Want to learn how to cook spaghetti bolognese? You'll be able to find several recipes to whip up for your little ones or tips like how to get your baby to sleep. All these clearly shows how dedicated Agape is towards helping new and experienced mommies alike. It’s no wonder why they have been nominated for the SG Mumpreneur Awards.

To top it off, Agape has a couple of promotions going on:
  • First time customers get to enjoy a $10 off their first order when they sign up for an account and newsletter here!
  • They currently offer free courier delivery with $80 spend and a free gift given with every $120 purchase. Call me a cheapskate but I think free delivery is a must otherwise, I might as well pop by the nearest mall to get my supplies.
  • 15% off playmats
  • 10% off Four Cow Farm series
  • UOB card members get $10 off when you spent $200 or more

PROMOTION FOR MY READERS:
Now, for another good deal. Agape Babies is offering 5% off all purchases (except breast pumps, diapers, milk and sale items) for the readers of TheMishMashMess. Simply enter the promotional code mishmashmess (valid for 4 weeks from 23 Nov - 21Dec) when you check out. 

So what are you waiting for? Hope on to http://www.agapebabies.com/ now!
Happy shopping!

Don't forget to like Agape Babies on Facebook, or on Instagram (@agapebabies)  and sign up for the newsletter for updates on promotions, contests and giveaways!

*I was gifted shopping credits from Agape Babies to purchase some of the items featured. Any excess sum was paid out of my own pocket. No additional monetary compensation has been received and I do not stand to gain any commission arising from sales using the discount code given to my readers. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and written according to my experience in using the products/services. 


Sponsored post: Combi Mega Ride

Tuesday, November 4, 2014


Buying a stroller is just as complicated as buying a car. It is a rather big investment. When pregnant with Big K, the hubs and I were excited over this big ticket item. The man was obsessed over wheels and envisioned himself zipping the little one as if on an F1 track. We went to several baby fairs, spoke to random parents and spent few months obsessing over baby strollers.  Truth be told, we were rather shallow when it came to our selection. To the hubs, it was Wheels, all wheels. To me, aesthetics. Give me a Paul Frank design or something funky and I’ll take it!

So we when we got our first stroller, ecstasy simply rolled in fast and furious. The hub was delirious when he saw that he could detach the frame and fix the seat. Yup, it was a two piece. Not very smart. Men and their machines. I thought it was rather cool too until I had to go out with Big K on several occasions. Not only did I forget how to detach the fancy machine (due to the many buttons it had), I even forgotten how to fold it! At one point in time, I had a wailing newborn in my car and me, fretting behind, trying to close the stroller! Panic clouded my brain and I called up friends. Clearly I forgot there’s something called YouTube. Imagine my frustration.

Long story short, we amassed a total of 3 strollers within 3years and none fit the bill. Big K didn’t like sitting in any of them and I didn’t enjoy pushing them. Half the time, I was babywearing Big K. But now that she has grown, carrying her is such a back-breaking affair! So when I was asked to review the Combi Mega Ride, I was skeptical. 

But alas!  This beauty is a dream come true! The first thing which drawn me to it was the huge basket beneath. 
It was love at first sight! On a daily basis, to transport a toddler and an infant (to their caregiver’s place), while carrying my bag, my files, another bag for my breastpump and parts, Big K’s school bag and folder and Small K’s daily fresh breastmilk supplies was no mean feat! I had to be an octopus to do this. I was almost in tears when I thought about the day I had to do all these with the old strollers which had tiny baskets which probably is only large enough to fit my wallet?

After using the Combi Mega Ride for a while, here’s why I love it:
·   Super light weight. Don’t be fooled by its size. It weighs a mere 6.8kg. There’s a one-touch release button which is such an ingenious design for mothers who are on the go. This easy one-handed maneuvering is a dream! 
·   Stands up on its own when folded. That’s definitely a plus point as who wants to place the stroller lying on the floor, posing a hazard to passers-by. Well, apparently, none of my other strollers could stand up on its own when folded so Yay to Combi!
·   Reversible handlebar. Swivels around to become front-facing. This was really useful when Small K was first born as we could reassure him that we are there for him. Bonus point for being suitable for newborns and toddlers! While I love the option that I can turn the handle around and push with my baby facing me, I need to get used to maneuvering in that orientation because not all 4 wheels are free spinning.


 
·   The seat can be reclined horizontally to allow Small K to lay flat or placed upgright for Big K to sit. Kills two birds with one stone right? The 5 point harness also allows parents to get extra mileage as the child grows. 
The canopy is large enough to cover the entire length of the seat. This is definitely a plus point as it shields off the unforgiving rays from the sun. 
The little net above also allows me to see what the little one is doing in his stroller. Big K is happy to go on it as pulling the canopy down and play peekaboo with me is her favourite hobby of the moment.
  
·   Safety and quality assurance: The hubby was more sensible this time and said that Combi is known to be great in quality. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it is lightweight. It’s stable and smooth on various terrains. Both back wheels have a lock on them, so it doesn’t roll away. Big K is also able to step in and out of the stroller when I take the swivel arm bar out. 

·   Aesthetics: I know I mentioned that I love funky colours. But somehow this shade appeals to me. It’s gender neutral and somehow the hue gives it an unspoken sense of maturity. Love the size of it and it’s comfy padded seat. Whilst many might not be inclined to get a big stroller, I am loving the size. It is actually small enough to pass through escalators, yet big enough to make a statement. In fact, we’ve been stopped several times on the streets by random passers-by, asking us what brand and model this is. This inevitably puts a proud beam on my face! 

With all the superb features, this stroller is here to stay!

Check out the wide range of Combi baby products on the Combi Singapore Facebook Page.


*I was gifted one Combi Mega Ride Stroller to review. No monetary gift was received. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and written according to my experience in using the products.

DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS