Basic Invite Design Your Own Cards Review

Celebrations


MBE partnered with Basic Invite for this post

by Neima Pollak
MBE Staff Writer

Unique Cards Designed by You

Nothing says I love you more than receiving a personalized paper-and-ink card in your snail mailbox. Now's the perfect time to get to work on designing your own original heartfelt cards for the holidays as well as any other special occasions in your life coming up to send to family and friends. Basic Invite is here to help make it happen with beautiful styles to choose from like these exquisite watercolor holiday cards and many other card styles which you can easily customize in a multitude of ways.

What Sets Basic Invite Apart

It's easy to get confused with so many online stationery companies out there. Basic Invite stands out from the rest, giving you free reign when designing all aspects of your stationery, from card style to font, color and much more. Additionally, Basic Invite is among a select few online stationery companies which will mail you an actual printed sample of your design so you can hold it in your own hand and see what it's like before placing your card order. 

This card making company even offers a unique and time-saving Address Capturing Service, allowing customers to share a link on Facebook, Instagram and other social media channels to request friends' and family's addresses. These addresses are then stored in your Basic Invite account and can be selected by you during the design process when it comes to addressing invites and cards. What's more is they offer recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders.

How Basic Invite Works

The process of designing a card on Basic Invites is very simple and straightforward. I tried designing a party invitation myself just to check it out and I had such an enjoyable time doing it that I wanted to keep designing more cards.

Step 1: Choose a Category

Select a category which fits the occasion for your card. Categories include Holidays, as well as Wedding, Graduation, Baby, Events, Stationery and Business cards, and multiple subcategories such as Save the Date (Wedding), Birth Announcements (Baby), Graduation (Events), and Thank You (Stationery). 

Step 2: Select a Template

After choosing a category, you will be presented with a number of templates that you can choose from to start designing your card, invite, announcement, etc. Some categories offer an option of uploading your own designs rather than using a pre-set template.

Step 3: Customize your card's elements including

• Shape of the card
• Type of paper 
• Optional foil elements
• Colors on the card (180+ colors to choose from)
• Text details (font, size, alignment, color,  line height, and case)
• Envelope color

Step 4: Designate Envelope Choices

Choosing from more than 40 different envelope colors, you can then personalize your addressing options (blank envelope, envelope with guest and return address or envelope with just the return address).

Step 5: Indicate Quantity of Cards You're Ordering

Step 6: Choose from a Variety of Paper Styles (some at an additional cost).

Step 7: Checkout and Wait to receive your Personalized Cards.

Start Thinking about the Holidays Early

Hard to believe we're already approaching mid-July and the holiday season is coming up fast -- only 6 months away! To help you get a head start on designing your holiday cards this month through July 31, 2019, Basic Invite is offering a 15% off promotion with the coupon code: 15FF51

Your potential as a designer does not end at just cards, either. With Basic Invite you can also easily design a personalized website for a wedding or a birthday, which also allow you to collect emails, manage RSVPs, and share event information with your guests. The best part is that designs you create will be optimized to maintain their beautiful aesthetic on mobile devices, desktop computers and tablets. 

About Basic Invite

Check out everything Basic Invite has to offer, especially the extra special holiday card designs right now. From options ranging from modern holiday cards to more traditional holiday photo cards there is something here for everyone's tastes. You can also get inspiration from the brand by following them on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

Take 15% Off
Basic Invite

Use Coupon Code 15FF51 at Checkout

Now through 7/31/19

Disney Dumbo Movie Review + Giveaway

Movies

MBE partnered with Disney for this post

by Neima Pollak
MBE Staff Writer

Dumbo Home Entertainment Release

Disney returns to retell the classic tale of Dumbo (2019) a story about family, loyalty and bravery. Now, the same live action film that appeared on the big screen is flying high, available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital for viewers of multiple generations to watch together at home. Read on to learn all about this film and how you can enter MBE's giveaway to win one of the multiple Dumbo digital download codes provided to us by Disney.

Mommy Blog Expert with Dumbo at El Capitan Theater, Hollywood

The Story Line

Journey with young siblings Milly and Joe Farrier as they help a poor circus elephant, born with comically oversized ears to protect him from the insensitive circus performers and small town audiences who laugh at him. Though this sister and brother duo try everything to help Dumbo succeed in the Medici Brothers circus, conflict swells up when the beloved little elephant with big blue eyes is separated from his mother. Now the race is on to rescue Dumbo's mommy who has been forced to work when a cold and greedy businessman buys the old-fashioned traveling circus.

Vintage-like scenes inspired by the original 1941 animated version of this movie are scattered throughout the live action remake. Some of these include Dumbo’s appearance in the clown act, when he is encouraged to put out the fire on a “burning building” and the pink dancing elephants which Dumbo dreams about one night. 

From beginning to end, I was in suspense and could not pull myself away from this movie. Basically following the original animated storyline version I remember from my childhood, there are enough detail changes and plot twists to keep the story relatable and exciting for today's kids. Suffice it to say that this movie is overflowing with dramatic action sequences which will have you rooting for Dumbo and friends, from tents burning up in fire to the children being chased by the big bad guys. 

Actual props used in the filming of Disney's Dumbo (2019)

CGI and Some Intense Scenes

Part of what made this so exciting and fun to watch were the detailed and flashy costumes that all the characters wore, as well as the phenomenal visuals. The CGI of Dumbo flying inside the Big Top circus tent is also worthy of note as it was so convincing and well-done. In fact, you may find yourself believing that Dumbo really can fly!

Because of the high-quality graphics and certain more intense scenes, remember this is a live action film directed by Tim Burton who is known for scary imagery like what viewers saw in Disney's Alice Through the Looking Glass, which was produced by Burton. As such, Dumbo may be a little too frightening for younger audiences, so you may want to consider having a big kid’s movie night for this one. 

About Disney Dumbo

Disney's Dumbo is now widely available for home enjoyment on Blu-Ray, DVD, and digital download.

Blu-Ray Bonus Content

• Deleted scenes
• Easter eggs on parade
• Clowning around bloopers
• Behind-the-scenes of Dumbo

Exclusive Disney Dumbo Sweepstakes

Enter our MBE Giveaway

on Instagram

Thanks to Disney, three lucky MBE giveaway participants will win Digital access codes to the live action Dumbo movie (Blu-ray DVD, platter & peanuts not included). To enter the Dumbo sweepstakes Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest open to US + Canada residents. Hurry, giveaway ends July 17, 2019 at 12 am PST/3 am EST. THREE (3) qualifying winners selected at random from all eligible entries submitted will be notified. Disney is providing the prizes and is responsible for delivery to winner.

DreamWorks Trolls Tea Party The Langham Huntington

Family Fun

MBE partnered with The Langham Huntington for this post

July DreamWorks Trolls Tea Time for Families

by Neima Pollak
MBE Staff Writer

Just a few days ago we had the chance to preview the new DreamWorks Trolls Afternoon Tea Time to be offered by the luxurious 5-star The Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena. This special limited engagement event, inspired by the colorful DreamWorks Trolls characters kids love, runs every Sunday in July, beginning July 7.

Sneak Peek at the Experience

Upon arrival, you'll be greeted warmly by attentive staff who will direct you to the Lobby Lounge of this iconic landmark hotel overlooking the Horseshoe Garden Lawn where the unique DreamWorks Trolls Afternoon Tea takes place.

On your way into the hotel, though, definitely take a moment to pose for a family portrait in front of the stunning floral @LanghamPasadena backdrop just outside the main entrance. Tip: Don't be shy to ask a staff member, they'll be glad to snap some pics of your entire family, so even the usual photographer in the family can actually be in the pictures for a change.

Me with Janis Brett Elspas, Mommy Blog Expert CEO

Certainly, Instagram-worthy moments will be plentiful throughout the event. So don't forget your fully-charged smartphones and cameras with adequate storage to capture memories that will last a lifetime.

From the start, expect to be enchanted by the colorful DreamWorks Trolls themed food, decor, and fun surrounding your family. Once seated at your table adorned with lovely fresh pink rose centerpieces, you'll be treated to a traditional elegant high tea service with a kid-friendly twist as well as some whimsical touches for the grownups.

The DreamWorks Trolls Tea Party

Each guest (young and old) is treated to their very own elegant place setting, complete with fine Wedgewood tea service and an elegantly folded cloth napkin with menu tucked inside.

This is a tea party, afterall, so your server will present your family with a selection of fruit-infused and caffeine-free teas from which to choose. Little ones also have their choice of milk or pink lemonade served in fancy water glass, while accompanying adults can opt to enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, all of which are included.

Each child will delight in finding some goodies at their place to take home. These tea party favors include crayons, a DreamWorks Trolls - The Beat Goes on! (now streaming on Netflix) placemat with coloring sheet and craft ideas , along with one of six collectible, cute and fuzzy DreamWorks Trolls Hair Huggers (while supplies last) which look adorably stylish worn as either a hair wrap or wrist bracelet.

Themed Kids and Adults Plates

Shortly after everyone is happily sipping their favorite drinks, the food arrives. Each party guests is served their own fantasy sweet and savory platter beautifully presented with an assortment of lovely tea sandwiches and sweet DreamWorks Trolls-inspired desserts. The adult trolls selection varies a bit from the plate for the junior trolls, but both are just as delicious and fun.

The kid's plate presentation is a feast for little eyes and tummies with its four different dainty tea sandwiches ranging from Smoked Turkey Breast and Swiss Cheese on Wheat Bread to Peanut Butter and Jelly and more. The child's plate also features a variety of seven mini desserts like the Trolls Hair-Raising Confetti Cupcakes; Rainbow Marshmallow on Wafers; pink Queen Poppy and the blue Branch Sugar Dough Cookies; and others.

While the children are enjoying their meals, moms, dads and other adults will indulge in themed plates of your own with five elegant tea sandwiches for grownup tastes such as Asian Pear with Bleu Cheese Mousse and Candy; Smoked Salmon Cone and Lemon Poppyseed Cream Cheese; and three delicious others.

As if that weren't enough, adult plates are adorned with six miniature desserts, four just like the kids, plus a French Macaron and indulgent White Chocolate Passion Fruit Gateaux.

DreamWorks Trolls Photo Shoot

For the press preview, we got to meet and get our photos taken with the adorable and bubbly Queen Poppy.

During every special tea this month, each boy and girl guest will be invited for an impromptu photo shoot to strike their best poses with a DreamWorks Trolls Character against a giant multi-hued balloon rainbow step-and-repeat backdrop. It might be Queen Poppy or another one of the beloved characters because being surprised is part of the fun.

I personally know of some different DreamWorks Trolls characters who really love these The Langham Huntington Hotel tea parties, so you never know which character is going to show up!

Kids Encouraged to

Wear Bright Clothes & Costumes

Share Your Best Photos on Social Media

#DreamWorksTrolls #lovinglangham

@langhampasadena

Make Your Afternoon Tea Reservations Now

The DreamWorks Trolls Afternoon Tea is scheduled for Sunday, July 7, Sunday, July 21 and Sunday, July 28 (seatings at 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.) and on Sunday, July 14 (one seating at 10:00 am). Priced at $75 for adults and $59 for kids 12 and under, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and may be requested by calling 626-585-6218. Cancellation and/or no-show fees apply.

About The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, the 100+ year-old hotel capturing the grace and elegance of classic Southern California, is located at 1401 S. Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena,CA 91106; telephone 6261568-3900. Learn more about this beautiful 5-star property by visiting LanghamHuntington.com and following the hotel on social media @langhampasadena.

Happy Fourth of July

Celebrations

Wishing the USA a very Happy Birthday!

Hoping all our loyal readers and social following in the US are enjoying a fun, safe and meaningful Independence Day celebration today with your family and friends.

Little Movie Comedy Review and Giveaway

Movies

Family Friendly Comedy

Another new summer home entertainment release is out now on Digital and the movie app MOVIES ANYWHERE and, as of July 9, 2019, will also be available on Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand. This time, it's the rip roaring comedy feature film Little, from the producer who brought us the equally funny films Girls Trip and Night School. 

L to R: Marsai Martin & Issa Rae

MBE partnered with Universal Pictures for this Review & Giveaway

The Storyline

Ever wonder what it might be like to be a grown-up female high power, self-centered tech mogul who awakes one day to find her adult self inside the physical body of an awkward 13-year-old girl who is being bullied at school by her classmates? You're about to find out. Don't just imagine it, grab a copy of Little, rated PG-13, to watch and laugh non-stop again and again at home at the mother of all body swap comedy stories.

In this film, shot on location in Atlanta, Georgia, Regina Hall plays demanding, all-business tech steamroller Jordan Sanders. Regina's Jordan character is so cruel, in fact, she makes the lead character in The Devil Wears Prada look practically harmless in comparison. 

Regina Hall as mogul Jordan Sanders

The uber talented teenage actress Marsai Martin (Black-ish) steals the stage from her adult co-star counterparts as Jordan's 13 year-old self, delivering a memorable performance you'd expect from an A-list actor twice her age. The only one in on this bizarre switcheroo scenario is the Jordan's overloaded assistant April (Issa Rae). Among the other notables in the cast is Justin Hartley (Bad Moms Christmas, This is Us) in the role of young Jordan's hunky middle school teacher.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Marsai going up for Best Actress at the Academy Awards in the near future. In summary, all I can say is you have to see this to experience all the craziness yourself. Rated PG-13, Little is a funny, entertaining movie to watch at home this summer with your sullen teenage for some bonding time and to have some good laughs together.

Marsai Martin, Youngest Hollywood Producer

FUN FACT: Marsai Martin, who celebrates her 15th birthday in real life next month, is the youngest Executive Producer, male or female, to ever produce a movie for a major movie studio. She pitched Universal on her original movie story idea when she was only 10 years old, then went on to star in Little, as well as to serve as an executive producer alongside her dad, Josh Martin, co-star Regina Hall, and Preston Holmes.

Universal Pictures' Little home entertainment release offers some of the most generous and funniest bonus content I've seen in a long time, so don't miss all the extras.

Bonus Features Include

• Gag Reel
• More Than a Little Talent Survival
• Marsai Martin Presents
• Black Momma Whuppin' Situation
• Regina Goes Method
• Issa Rae's Assistant Survival Guide
• Feature Commentary

Exclusive Little Sweepstakes

Enter our MBE Giveaway 

on Instagram 

Thanks to Universal Pictures, one lucky MBE giveaway participant will win the new Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo edition of Little. To enter the Little sweepstakes Mommy Blog Expert is hosting, visit this MBE Instagram post. Contest open to US + Canada residents. Hurry, giveaway ends July 23, 2019 at 12 am PST/3 am EST. One (1) qualifying winner will be selected at random. Universal Pictures is providing the prize and is responsible for delivery to winner.

More on Little

See the official Little movie trailer. To learn more and for more fun stuff on Little, visit the Universal Pictures Home Entertainment website and the film's Facebook and Twitter pages.