When I received an email inviting me to the Moonpig Virtual Event at the end of July, I was ridiculously excited. Moonpig are a company that Dan and I love and use regularly, to get the opportunity to attend one of their events, to get to listen to their experts and take a sneak peak at soon to be released features. I’d just received a Moonpig birthday card from Dan and Elise when the event invitation arrive!
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Moonpig Virtual Event: App
After introductions and welcomes from the team, we kicked off the Moonpig Virtual Event with Jasper, Moonpig’s Product Manager and App Expert.
I have to admit that before this event, I’d not used the Moonpig app. Generally, I find websites easier to navigate than apps with my visual processing disorder. I’d downloaded the Moonpig App to my Android phone ahead of the event, but hadn’t taken a look at it.
As Jasper walked us through the Moonpig app, I quickly noticed how easy it was for me to navigate. As well as my Irlen Syndrome, I’m also Dyslexic (auditory as well as visual) and have the usual chronically ill, cognitive functioning challenges to contend with. So I often find myself falling behind when I have to process verbal instructions and decipher visual information and then act on these. Particularly when visual information includes text.
The app is set up in such a way that it required minimal effort and concentration to navigate. The majority of text is black or dark blue on a white background, which is what I need (anything else interferes with how my precision tinted lenses work). The text is also a good size and key elements are accompanied by an image, aiding and reducing the strain of deciphering the text. Jasper gave clear information about the different features of the app, which really helped too!
As the Moonpig Virtual Event was to celebrate Moonpig’s 20th birthday, Jasper walked us through the process and options for making our own birthday cards – Moonpig have some fantastic features to help you create the ideal birthday card, whoever you’re designing for.
It’s worth noting at this point that some features are only available on iOS, not Android – yet.
Jasper showed us lots of really great functions within the Moonpig app. Did you know that you can sync your iCal app (iOS) to the Moonpig app and receive reminders when you have an upcoming birthday, in good time to create and order a card? If you’re like me and find it difficult to remember (thanks chronic illnesses), this is a really helpful feature!
Anyone else have difficulty finding the right words at times? I certainly do! But never fear, Moonpig have you covered. The app has an ‘inspiration’ tab, when you come to adding text to the inside of your loved one’s card. It truly is inspiration, as once you’ve chosen and added your chosen text, you can edit it to create something that is as special and individual as your recipient.
Plus, you can add a message on your card’s envelope and even schedule when it will be delivered to your loved one!
Of everything we were shown, my favourite features are the use of augmented reality and the ability to add a handwritten note to you card.
Ever wondered how big something you’ve seen on virtually is actually going to be in real life? While many product descriptions contain dimensions (including Moonpig’s cards), it can still be a challenge to envisage the final product, even with a tape measure to hand. Moonpig have added an augmented reality feature to their iSO app, so that customers can see how big their card will be, compared to everyday objects. This is so helpful!
As well as my visual processing disorder, I also have poor proprioception because of my hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome, so anything that makes easier for me to understand how big something is going to be is a win in my books.
While I love how adding special, photos to card is personal and meaningful, I’ve sometimes felt that typed text lacks the element of deep connection that comes with a handwritten card. Moonpig have thought of this and come up with a brilliant solution – the option to handwrite a message, take a photo and upload it straight to the inside of your card! All within the iOS app. It was great to watch Jasper demonstrate this, the process was simple and required just a few steps.
Check out Moonpig’s birthday card collection!
While I found the Moonpig app easy to navigate, I know that black/dark blue text on a white background is a combination that a lot of people find difficult. Jasper and I had a chat about this after his demonstration, which was really positive – adding accessibility features is something the team are currently working on!
You can get 30% off an order of a card and gift, purchased together through the app with the code APP30ORDER, until 26th August. Click here to download the Moonpig App.
Moonpig Virtual Event: Flower Arranging
When I told Dan that Moonpig were sending a bunch of flowers for us to do some arranging with, his response was one of scepticism. He had a preconceived image in his head that they’d be generic (even though he’s happy to buy flowers from the supermarket!). When The Luxury Summer Garden* bouquet arrived, he quickly admitted that he was completely wrong in his assumptions, going as far as to say that he’d happily order Moonpig flowers in the future!
I’ve been intrigued by flower arranging since I was a teenager. My Mum took a cake decorating course at the local college and I remember flipping through their brochure to see what courses they had on offer. My interest was piqued, but with A levels, then music college and then, well… chronic life, it wasn’t something I followed up on. So I was really excited for to have Roxanne, Moonpig’s flower expert, guide us through the process of arranging such a beautiful combination of flowers.
Just like Jasper, Roxanne delivered simple, easy to follow instructions that made getting a beautiful arrangement easy. When we started by separating the flowers out, I felt like I was in my happy place – I do love a bit of order and organisation! It was a very relaxing experience.
I’d expected some complicated visual theories and rule-of-thirds type considerations, but this couldn’t have been further from reality. The simple way Roxanne showed us to get a beautifully arranged bouquet meant there was no frustration^ and we all thoroughly enjoyed the process. I just had one slight hiccup, where the stems of the Scabiosa (burgundy flowers) ended up outside of the vase because their stems are softer and more flexible than the rest of the bouquet. Which you can see in my vlog below. This was easy to remedy, without having to reposition the Scabiosa within the bouquet.
^ I am getting very frustrated with myself when I’m not able to do things exactly how I pictured in my head. I know this is a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptom and I’m working on it.
The Luxury Summer Garden bouquet came pre-arranged, with an instruction card detailing how to prepare and care for the flowers. This included how to unwrap the bouquet, while maintaining the beautiful arrangement that the Moonpig team have put together. I love the thought that has gone into this – it means that, regardless of your skill level, everyone can have a beautiful arrangement of flowers without feeling that they have to create their own display (and get frustrated if they find it hard to get just how they imagine it).
The beautiful pinks and greens of the Roses, Scabiosa, Lisianthus, Gloriosa and Viburnum, with their varied shapes come together to make a well balanced bunch of flowers. To say that this bouquet is gorgeous is an understatement.
I know a lot of people have found having a bunch of flowers on display has helped lift their mood in the pandemic and, having had The Summer Garden bouquet in our lounge, I can see why! Sending flowers is a great way to brighten up someone’s day while we’re still having to socially distance. Now is the ideal time to send a bouquet to a loved one for their birthday (or just because!).
My arrangement
You can find all of Moonpig’s birthday bouquets in the birthday flowers and plants section of their website and in the app. Prices range from £20-75.
Moonpig Virtual Event: Cocktail Masterclass
Our evening ended with a masterclass with James from Mix & Twist, who had so much passions and enthusiasm. I was getting tired by this point and James’ energy helped carry me through. I loved learning about the various pieces of equipment and what they’re used for in the cocktail making process.
I don’t normally drink, for a number of reasons. Dan is allergic to alcohol, so I can’t drink something and then kiss him. I don’t like the taste of a lot of alcoholic drinks and I have previously been on medication that doesn’t mix well with alcohol. I do love a good cocktail, but finding ones that I’m not allergic to (or am only mildly allergic to – I’m looking at you citrus fruits) is a challenge. My sister and some of her friends enjoy making cocktails, so I was excited to give it a try, under the guidance of someone who knows what they’re doing.
We made 3 cocktails, all using Konik’s Tail Vodka*, which can be purchased from the Alcoholic Gifts section of the Moonpig Website and app. I’ve been having a scroll through to see what other alcoholic drinks Moonpig have available and have been really impressed. There’s a great selection of stand alone bottles and gift sets, as well as chocolates, beauty products, candles, toys and more! Check out Moonpig’s birthday gift collection!
Summer Garden
The three drinks we made were:
Summer Garden – 45ml Vodka, 25ml lime, 25ml sugar syrup, mint leaves, cucumber, 25ml elderflower soda
Strawberry Fizz – 45ml Vodka, 25ml lemon, 25ml sugar syrup, soda, strawberries, lemon (I made a Raspberry Fizz, because I go into anaphylactic shock with strawberries)
Passionfruit Martini – 45ml Vodka, 20ml lemon, 25ml passionfruit syrup, 60ml pineapple juice
It was really interesting finding out about what makes a good cocktail. James told us that there are four components that need to come together to create a balanced cocktail; sour, sweet alcohol and lengthener. They also need to be well iced and pleasing to the eye.
Raspberry Fizz
Did you know that the more ice you put into a drink, the less it melts? When you think about it, it makes total sense. The ice cubes keep each other cooler for longer! So the reason cocktails come with a lot of ice in them is to reduce the melting process, avoiding the cocktail becoming watered down by melted ice!
My favourite of the three cocktails was Summer Garden, which surprised me as I generally don’t like mint leaves, or at least I don’t in cooking/garnishing. I’m also fairly neutral about cucumber. When put together with the other ingredients, they make a lovely, refreshing drink! Until now, I’d never have ordered a Summer Garden if I were going to have a drink. Now I’m wondering what else I may have been missed out on, because I didn’t like one of more of the ingredients in isolation.
Passionfruit Martini
Unfortunately, my Raspberry Fizz didn’t work out very well. When I drank it, I was getting little bits of raspberry in my mouth. It wasn’t an enjoyable texture. I think the raspberries probably needed to be squeezed and sieved, so I’m going to try it again and see if I can get an improved Raspberry Fizz!
I’ve really enjoyed having a cocktail every now and again since the Moonpig event, during my little bit of me time once Dan and Lissie are asleep. I’m excited to start experimenting with different cocktails. I’m also really looking forward to making a Summer Garden for my sister, when we’re able to see each other again.
Moonpig Virtual Event: Accessibility
It wouldn’t be a post of mine if I didn’t talk about accessibility. So…
When the invitation came through, I was nervous about 3 hours sat in front of a computer screen. Some of you may be aware that my botox injections for chronic migraine have been postponed due to the pandemic. As a result, I’m having to reduce my screen time to minimise deterioration. While a virtual event was logistically so much easier as a wheelchair user, as someone who is photosensitive and has processing difficulties, online events come with their own challenges. These are exacerbated when connection is poor.
I was so excited to receive the invitation that I knew I had to find a way to attend the event. I planned for a screen free 24 hours before and after and hoped for the best. I figured I could subtly turn away from the screen if needed, though I was concerned I’d appear rude.
On the night itself, Dan helped me get as much of the cocktail masterclass ingredients ready ahead of time. He may not be able to drink himself, but he’s a dab hand with a bottle opener!
The way team organised the event worked really well for me. We were put on mute for the majority of the time, which meant I was only having to concentrate on one voice, without additional sound to interfere. Starting the evening by looking at the app meant that I was fresh for the most visually intense section. With both the flower arranging and cocktail masterclasses, we had lots of practical time which meant I wasn’t needing to look at the computer screen as much and could allow my sense of touch to do more of the work, allowing my visual processing to rest.
While online events come with their own set of accessibility difficulties, I love how they offer an alternative for those who, for a number of reasons, either aren’t able to attend in person events or find them very difficult. I really hope that online events become the norm (for all brands/companies) and are put on alongside in person events to give as many people as possibly the chance to attend in the most accessible way possible.
Moonpig Virtual Event: Vlog
I couldn’t attend the Moonpig Virtual Event and not take you with me, so I vlogged it!
Order of a card and gift together through the Moonpig app (download the Moonpig App here) with the code APP30ORDER, and get 30% off until 26th August! Check out Moonpig’s birthday cards collection and Moonpig’s birthday gift collection!
What are the most important things for you, when sending and receiving birthday cards and gifts?
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