mom hack

This post is in partnership with Basic Invite

I can’t believe Jadyn is starting preschool in just a few days and I also can’t believe I have signed on to be one of the room parents, all while working full time. But, that means I have an excuse to send out actual invitations for Jadyn’s birthday in January and notes to new mom friends for play dates.

Enter Basic Invite. True to their tagline “boutique quality, everyday prices,” Basic Invite now has a permanent place in my Bookmarks Bar in my browser.

What I love about Basic Invite is that there are unlimited colors with instant previews online. When I was designing my personalized stationery, I was able to see the exact color instantly. As you can see, I designed these to be on par with my Made To Mommy motif! Whether it’s personalized stationery, birthday invitations, bridal shower or wedding invites, with over 180 different color options and instant design previews, this site caters to us perfectionists.

A one-stop-shop for invites of any type, Basic Invite also sends out custom samples so you can see how your invitation will print and the type of paper quality they have. I’m impressed with the quality; what you see in the preview online is pretty spot on to what you get on paper and the paper quality is great, too. While I was designing my stationery, I had over 40 envelope colors to choose from. I was debating between a rose pink but ended up going with the classic white because it goes with everything.

In hindsight, I wish I had used Basic Invite for my bridal shower, wedding invitations and my baby shower invites. There’s over 1000 wedding invitation sets so everything is within your theme from the invites themselves to menus, programs and thank you cards. Even the wedding website would match (and they have an RSVP feature so you don’t have to include RSVP cards)!

Whether you’re post-baby wedding planning, helping your bestie plan a baby shower or gearing up for your little’s first birthday, Basic Invite is such a great tool, experience and resource.

Have you used Basic Invite for any of your special occasions or parties? I’d love to know! Leave a comment below.

It’s hot. Real hot here in Northern California. Now’s about the time where the temperatures rise and pretty much stay that way through end of September, beginning of October (we call it Indian Summer out here). While working full-time and Jadyn not in preschool yet (she starts in August [I’m not crying, you’re crying]) and being watched by my mom all week, we’ve had to come up with some fun ideas to keep her occupied during the day. Here are my picks for indoor/outdoor summer fun, because let’s face it, that A/C will be on starting at 10:30 a.m:

Little Tikes Garden Chairs

photo: Amazon.com

This light and easily movable chair can go anywhere you go, whether inside the house or out in the yard. Perfect spot to have a popsicle on a hot day or place next to the couch for movie night.

Little Tikes First Slide

I absolutely love this slide. When it first got delivered to the house it was so hot outside that we set it up in our living room and Jadyn was able to enjoy it indoors. Mom hack: it’s super light and easy to move around.

Step2 Cascading Cove Sand and Water Table (Deluxe with accessories and umbrella)

This is technically a sand and water table but Jadyn is a little too young to have a bunch of sand at her fingertips (except for when we go to the playground), so we fill both sides up with water. Head to Target’s Dollar Spot to find some great water toys and you’re in business for hours of endless fun!

Step2 Fun with Friends Kitchen

The beauty of Step2 products is that they’re light and easily transportable. We currently have this kitchen in our living room but can easily pick it up and bring it outside if we’re having a barbecue. With an inexpensive food add-on from Amazon, this kitchen, too, provides endless hours of fun for Jadyn.

SplashEZ 3-in-1 Sprinkler for Kids, Splash Pad, and Wading Pool for Learning

Mom tip: set this up before it gets too hot outside so the sun can warm up the water. While Jadyn is a little skeptical of sitting in the actual pool part of this splash pad, she loves having the rotating sprinklers spray water on her. Too cute and so much fun.

Bubbles

photo: Sebastian Pichler on Unsplash

Need I say more?

Mom Hack: Quality Invites for Every Occasion

Keep It Cool: Summer Fun for Toddlers