Friday, December 6, 2019

Couples Fun Christmas Holiday Pajamas Review

Style


Pajamas that are fun, not serious


There's nothing like nice, cozy pajamas to keep you and your loved ones warm during the colder months. The problem is comfortable PJs usually mean you're just sleeping in clothes you wouldn't be caught dead in outside of bed. Or worse -- gasp -- we're talking about ugly, bulky, scratchy and/or just plain old boring sleepwear.



Shinesty Festive Fun Holiday Family PJs


MBE partnered with Shinesty for this post

Considering the average person spends so much time in bed (about one third of one's life is spent sleeping) why settle for stuffy ho-hum jammies? Instead, this season gift yourself, significant other or your whole family with well-made matching pajamas from Shinesty. There's nothing else out there quite like these fun-loving styles. Not only are they comfy for relaxing and a good night's sleep, they're made to last, are stylish and come in lots of playful festive holiday his and her designs as well as matching pajamas for the whole family: parents, kids and even the family dog and cat.

The holiday Lincoln Log Love Daddy (and Love Lady) pajamas you see here in a fun and festive Christmas red and green plaid pattern are both my hubby and my favorite new PJs, replacing our plain old (yawn) matching, threadbare flannels. Use the Shinesty tags which come with the top and bottom like I did to create a pair of unique holiday earrings to complete your look. This very together outfit is also perfect to wear to the airport at 2 am in the morning to pick up your college student who is home visiting college. Yes, I really did that and you can do the same thing.



Holiday Adult Pajamas



Remember Lincoln Logs -- those tin canisters filled with red wooden logs and green roof slat building blocks we would dump out on the floor, then use to build log cabins when we were kids? Inspired by that iconic and nostalgic creative toy we both grew up with, the happy vibe of these pajamas definitely stirred up fond childhood Lincoln Log memories of our childhoods growing up on opposite coasts -- recollections which the Huzz and I had never shared with each other before.

Not only are these new pajamas cheery and light-hearted, they are super comfortable thanks to the stretchy easy-to-wash and wear polyester-spandex blend fabric they're made with which has the feel of shiny silk; they're also much lighter weight than flannel but just as warm and cozy. Ever since these Shinesty PJs arrived on our doorstep, just wearing them makes me feel smile.  Actually, every night I look forward to putting these comfortable jammies on when it's time to wind down, whether to read, watch a video, or build with Lincoln Logs which is really relaxing and therapeutic.



Shinesty Holiday PJs



Designed by Allie T. in Boulder, Colorado, Shinesty's Lincoln Log Red Plaid pattern features a pullover Henley-style neckline with buttons, chest pocket, a remote control pocket on the upper left sleeve (also roomy enough to hold those log pieces), a hidden pocket in the sleeve cuff for small items and love notes, as well as side slits at the hemline for added comfort while sitting or lying down. These jams also have a really unique touch: a button at each side to create an optional kangaroo style snack pouch which, lucky for me, comes in handy for keeping some wood parts closeby when I'm in the mood to build another mini log structure.

While the tops for this style are basically the same for men and women, except for sizing, the pull-on bottoms vary slightly. Both men's and women's sport deep side pockets as well as no-roll elastic waist bands with multiple channels of stitching for comfort and leg cuffs at the bottom.  The only difference is that the men's version has a button fly front while the women's style does not.



Shinesty Matching Family Holiday PJs


Sold separately, both men's and women's adult pajama tops ($39.99) and bottoms ($59.99) are constructed of 95% polyester, 5% spandex soft and stretchy material. Like the wide variety of other winter holiday themed pajama patterns in their collection, the Shinesty styles you see us wearing for this review are available in men's (S-XXL) and women's (XS-2X) sizes. 

To make every day and night more fun, Shinesty has a variety of other whimsical matching day wear and sleepwear pieces for adults, kids, and pets. Depending on the fabric pattern these range from kids PJs, adult nightshirts and caps to women's and girl's skirts/dresses/pants; men's and boys pants and suits; men's ties and bow ties; baby onesie sleepers; dog and cat clothes, to you never know what else. You won't believe it, you just have to visit Shinesty.com to see what they have for yourself.


Sloth Ring Tailed Lemur at Pajama Party

Celebrate Fun Living
Party in your PJs
Stay Weird & Shine On!


About Shinesty


Shinesty offers a huge selection of  humorous and festive pajamas for the holidays. But they also have fun novelty kids wear, men's suits, women's/girl's dresses, dog and cat outfits, and even underwear for other holidays throughout the year as well as every day silliness. Available nowhere else but at Shinesty.com, so hurry and shop now since many of the holiday styles are selling out quickly. Learn more about Shinesty by visiting their official site and following them @shinesty on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Disney Maleficent 2 Bluray Review + Giveaway

Movies

MBE partnered with Disney Studios for this review and giveaway

Angelina Jolie returns in the same villainess role as the original Disney Maleficent movie (2014) which was nominated for an Oscar (Best Achievement in Costume Design). Jolie and other cast members captivate viewers in the sequel: Disney's Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil (2019) which is up once again for an Oscar in 2020, this time for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling. The action adventure family feature film, including some fun bonus material, is available for home viewing on Digital as of 12/31/19 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD as of 1/14/20. 


Disney Maleficent 2 Mistress of Evil Characters


Based on many of the characters from La Belle Au Bois Dormant by Charles Perrault, who appeared in the original Maleficent film released five years ago, Elle Fanning also returns as Maleficent's god daughter Aurora. In Mistress of Evil, the plot thickens and twists as Maleficent and Aurora begin to question loyalties and family ties and things get complicated. 

Disney Maleficent Mistress of Evil


In the new saga, Sam Riley is also back as Diaval, with seasoned actress Michelle Pfeiffer joining the cast this time around as Queen Ingrith. If you enjoy Disney adventures, you'll want to add this one to your watch list.


Disney Maleficent 2:Mistress of Evil 

Blu-ray Bonus Extras

  • Extended Scenes
  • Outtakes
  • Aurora's Wedding
  • Behind-The-Scenes Look at The Magic
  • And More

Disney Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil Giveaway



Disney Maleficent 2 
MBE Movie Giveaway
(2 Winners)

Maleficent 2 Mistress of Evil


Thanks to Disney Studios, TWO (2) lucky MBE giveaway participants will each win the new Disney Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil Blu-ray DVD combo movie. To enter this Disney Maleficent 2 Giveaway Mommy Blog Expert is hosting visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest open to US residents only and qualifying winners will be selected at random. Hurry, this giveaway ends January 9, 2020 at 12 am PST/3 am EST. Disney Studios is providing the prizes and is responsible for delivery to winners.

More About Disney's Maleficent 2


To learn more about Disney's Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil, Rated PG-13, visit the official movie website as follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Friday, November 29, 2019

LA Opera Family Friendly The Magic Flute

Culture


MBE partnered with LA Opera for this review


Real Opera Kids Will Actually Love


Want to introduce your child to the amazing world of classical music and operatic professional performances? If you are fortunate enough to be in Southern California, consider bringing the whole family to see the live, engaging LA Opera multi-media performance of Mozart's The Magic Flute running through December 15 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. 


The Magic Flute LA Opera Pamina Zuzana Markova
Image courtesy of LA Opera

We just saw this production -- with its uber modern hand-drawn animation twist on staging originally created for the Komische Oper Berlin, Germany by the British theater company known as 1927 -- and it is two thumbs up the most kid- and family-friendly opera with the broadest multi-generational appeal that we've seen in recent years.

Those of you familiar with The Magic Flute already know the beautiful music, fairy tale storyline and wacky characters in the most frequently-performed German language opera. But readers of all ages who are new to opera, have no fear, if you've never seen an opera this is a good one with which to start. You'll be able to easily get lost in this silly fantasy because neither being fluent in German or even knowing much about Mozart's music is required.


LA Opera The Magic Flute Date Night With Hubby

The plot line is simple and easy to follow thanks to the free programs handed out by the ushers explaining this two-act opera (run time 2 hours, 40 minutes with one intermission). Adding to the enjoyment for as broad an audience as possible of both sophisticated opera goers and newbies are the English subtitles clearly visible to all above the stage and off to both sides without distracting you from watching all the action on stage.

I've seen several other productions of The Magic Flute and this one is by far my favorite because of its wide universal multi-generational appeal. It reaches across a huge arc of  interpretations from fantasy and surrealism to magic as well as exudes a mashup display of relatable human emotions from fear and loneliness, to bravery, love, friendship, joy and more.


The Magic Flute Papageno Spirits
Images courtesy of LA Opera

Previous stagings of this opera which I've seen centered around human actors dressed in feathered bird costumes. But in this version, with some exceptions, the performers appear as humans who sing and deliver their stories from birdhouse-looking perches high above the stage. 

Kids, especially, will  get a kick out of watching the characters come and go from these little ledges several building stories high, appearing and disappearing via revolving trap doors that reminded me of the bird that pops in and out of sight at the top of the hour on a cuckoo clock.

Other kid-friendly touches in the show feature a range of projected images behind the actors on stage. These include graphics reminiscent of Marvel super hero comic books like Spider-Man and animated flying pink elephants (bringing to mind the original flying elephant, Dumbo). 

Certainly, there's never a dull moment with cast members seen interacting with flashing strobe lighting effects, a nod to the black and white silent film era complete with subtitles inspired by greats such as Buster Keaton.



LA Opera Janis Brett Elspas The Magic Flute


There's also the trio of spirits, portrayed with the help of animation and artistic lighting by child soloists David Kakuk, Thomas Quinn Fagan, and Anika Erickson from the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, who appear to flutter their animated butterfly wings. Suffice it to say that few of us have seen a live performance quite like this one that uses strobe lighting, animation, smoke, creative costumes and other special effects so artfully, engaging the audience and elevating our enjoyment from beginning to end.

Be sure to get there early. You and your kids are going to want to can take turns taking snapshots of each other with your smartphones at The Magic Flute themed free photo booth on the plaza out in front. Then, get social with @LAOpera and don't forget to share all your fun photos of your family with the hashtag #LAOMagicFlute.


The Magic Flute Tickets

Kids Tickets Always 50% Off, Family Day at LA Opera


To nurture the next generation of opera lovers to grow and thrive and make opera accessible to as many young people as possible, LA Opera is providing half-price tickets for kids ages 8 to 17 years old not only for The Magic Flute (which is one of the top ten operas worldwide) but also all other performances this season. 

The 2019/2020 season runs through June and culminates with another Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart favorite, The Marriage of Figaro.  Season ticket subscribers can add the Family Package to your season subscription at a reduced rate. Note half-price tickets are only available by phone by calling 213-972-8001 Monday-Friday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Each season the opera company holds a special Family Day giving children ages 8 and up, the opportunity to learn more the opera and its characters. This year, in conjunction with The Magic Flute, this child-centric event is scheduled for December 1 and will feature a reception with desserts and a holiday activity during intermission. After the performance is over, kids will have the opportunity to have their programs signed by the opera's cast members. All activities are subject to change.


LA Opera Los Angeles Chandelier


More About LA Opera in Los Angeles


LA Opera, located at 135 North Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, is the fourth largest opera company in North America. Learn more about everything LA Opera has to offer by visiting their official website as well as following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.