Author: Mars Salazar Page 16 of 29

Marianne is Nixplay's Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

5 Reasons Why Having Siblings Rock

By Mars Salazar

On April 4, 2019

In Lifestyle

Having siblings isn’t always a blast. They snoop through your stuff, annoy you to no end, and get into the most ridiculous fights. But they’re also the people you can depend on, especially when things get rough. They’ve seen you through your awkward puberty phase, comforted you when your heart got broken, and stood by you tirelessly through all of life’s ups and downs. In short, they rock.

With National Siblings Day coming up, here are some true reasons why your brothers and sisters are the best. Read on.

Having a sibling makes you a better person.

A study at Brigham Young University found that “having a loving sibling of either gender promoted good deeds, such as helping a neighbor or watching out for other kids at school.” The study also found that loving siblings encourage more acts of kindness versus loving parents.

Having siblings can prolong your life.

The same study found that, on average, people who have excellent relationships with friends and family live 7.5 years longer than those with poor social ties. It’s theorized that caring for loved ones (and, by effect, having a good relationship with your siblings) will also inspire you to take better care of yourself.

Having siblings can improve your social skills.

People who are close to their siblings are natural diplomats. They’re so used to dealing with different personalities, unpredictable mood swings, and petty fights on a regular basis, that they could probably be called upon to settle the peace should World War III erupt. Given this, it’s not surprising that folks with siblings usually have better relationships with their peers.

Having a sibling can affect your weight.

And no, it’s not because you can easily get them to go with you on late-night pizza runs. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, kids with obese siblings are more than five times more likely to be overweight as well. Because younger siblings look up to older children, establishing good dietary habits will prove to be beneficial for the whole family.

Having siblings can make you happier.

It has been found that people who grew up with sisters are able to communicate more openly, are more independent, and are more supportive of each other compared to people who have no sisters. Isn’t sisterhood great?

Don’t forget to celebrate your bond with your family this coming National Siblings Day! Get up to 25% off selected Nixplay Frames, only until April 10!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

The Nixplay Mobile App Just Got A Makeover

By Mars Salazar

On April 2, 2019

In From The Nixplay Team

We’ve given the Nixplay Mobile App a brand-new look, and you should absolutely check it out. Trust us on this.

For starters, we’ve totally revamped the interface. Our design team worked hard to give you a better user experience, and you’ll see the fruit of their efforts when you navigate around the app. Pairing your frames, uploading photos, and selecting playlists have never been this easy.

*It’s now easier than ever to manage your Nixplay Frame.*

The updated Nixplay Mobile App isn’t just eye candy. It’s also faster than ever, with our software team working double time to give the app a smoother, optimized performance. This gives the app fewer chances of lagging, and gives you more time to bask in your memories.

It’s also easier now to share photos with your loved ones using the Nixplay Mobile App. This is a crucial part of the Nixplay experience, and we’re always looking for ways to make the photo-sharing process easier for you. That’s why we improved the activity feed showing the updates of your friends. This way, you’ll never miss out again on an important milestone in the lives of those dearest to you.

*Share photos and videos of your favorite moments.*

Finally, we know how much you love watching videos of your favorite moments. That’s why we’re very pleased to announce that both iOS and Android users can now upload 15-second videos using the Nixplay Mobile App so you can see your memories on your Nixplay Frame instantly. Making your life’s highlight reel has never been this easy—or this fun!

Don’t miss a beat! Download the Nixplay Mobile App today from Google Play or the App Store to join in the fun.

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

10 Things Only Siblings Will Understand

By Mars Salazar

On April 1, 2019

In Lifestyle

You can choose your friends, but you cannot choose your siblings. That’s what makes your bond with your brother or sister so special: You’re stuck with each other through good times and bad times. You’re best friends one minute, only to be in a screaming match the next. But whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: You’ll always have each other’s backs, come what may.

This National Siblings Day, don’t forget to celebrate the truest ties that bind. Let’s start by listing some things you’ll definitely be able to relate to if you’ve got a brother or a sister (or both!).

1. People always tell you that you and your siblings look alike.

Of course, you’re the better-looking one. 😉

2. Annoying your siblings can be counted as one of your hobbies.

You’ve placed bugs on their desks, teased them mercilessly in front of their crushes, and would scare them every chance you get. It’s amazing you still love each other.

3. You’ve snooped through each other’s belongings and have borrowed (or taken) each other’s stuff without asking for permission.

And you always feel so triumphant when you return the item you borrowed without them noticing that it was gone in the first place! Speaking of borrowing things…

4. Your wardrobe doubles in size If you have a sibling who’s the same size as you.

More clothing options!

5. You can find hand-me-downs from your siblings in your wardrobe.

You’ve been into sustainability way before it was considered cool.

6. You’re extremely competitive.

There’s always some pressure to be better than your siblings, and you never waste an opportunity to prove that you’re smarter, stronger, and wittier than them–whether you’re showing your report card to your parents, or fighting over the last bag of chips in the pantry.

7. You’ve been called your sibling’s name several times in your life.

And a frazzled parent has run through the names of all the members of your family (including your dog) before landing on yours.

8. You’re bound to be referred to as “so-and-so’s sibling” at one point or another in your life.

Especially if you both study at the same school.

9. Your morning routine is timed down to the last minute.

That’s what happens when you have to share a bathroom with a sibling.

10. You’ll always love each other.

There may be times when you’ve wanted to pull each other’s hair out, but at the end of the day, they’ll always be the coolest people in your book, and you can’t imagine growing up without them by your side.

Join us as we celebrate National Siblings Day! Get up to 25% off selected Nixplay Frames, only until April 10!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

Mum’s The Word: 10 Quotes To Celebrate Mothering Sunday By

By Mars Salazar

On March 29, 2019

In Holidays

Mothers are some of the strongest, wisest, kindest, and toughest people in the world. Their seemingly endless ability to nurture, nourish and love makes them superhuman, and we don’t know what we’d do without them.

As the U.K. celebrates Mother’s Day this March 31, let’s take a moment to honor our mums with these inspiring quotes.

“When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.” – Mitch Albom

“It’s a funny thing about mothers…Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think that he or she is wonderful.” – Roald Dahl

“My mom is the No. 1 person who has taught me to be courteous towards women, to always be respectful and polite to them, and to always lead with your heart.” – Zac Efron

“The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms were very still as a figure glided quietly from bed to bed, smoothing a coverlid here, settling a pillow there, and pausing to look long and tenderly at each unconscious face, to kiss each with lips that mutely blessed, and to pray the fervent prayers which only mothers utter.” – Louisa May Alcott

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” – Maya Angelou

“My mother taught me that there are more valuable ways to achieve beauty than just through your external features. She was focused on compassion and respect, and those are the things that ended up translating to me as beauty.” – Lupita Nyong’o

“A mother is always the beginning. She is how things begin.” – Amy Tan

“My mother…she is beautiful, softened at the edges and tempered with a spine of steel. I want to grow old and be like her.” – Jodi Picoult

“Nothing can really prepare you for you the sheer overwhelming experience of what it means to become a mother. It is full of complex emotions of joy, exhaustion, love, and worry, all mixed together. Your fundamental identity changes overnight.” – Kate Middleton

“You never again have a day where you don’t think of your kids first…like, ‘How are the kids doing? What do they need?’ That’s my first thought when I wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night. I’m always thinking of them.” – Zooey Deschanel

This Mother’s Day, surprise and delight your mum with a Nixplay Frame for her favorite memories. Get up to 25% off selected frames, only until March 31!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

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6 Things You Can Do To Increase Your Luck This 2019

By Mars Salazar

On March 23, 2019

In Lifestyle

Luck: Some people are born with buckets of it, while others just can’t get on its good side. The truth is that getting lucky is a combination of being at the right place at the right time, and making the most of the opportunities that come your way. It’s not a magic pill, but a recipe with several ingredients. And the more work you put in, chances are the luckier you’ll be.

In addition, your perception of how lucky you are depends on your outlook in life. If you always see the glass as half-empty, then feeling lucky would not come easy. Optimists, on the other hand, will be able to see the silver lining in the most unlucky circumstances. Indeed, luck is what you make of it.

Even if you’re already the luckiest person on earth, you’ll agree that it wouldn’t hurt to add extra luck into your life! Here are some ways to do so.

1. Believe you’re lucky.

It all starts in your mind. Believing that you’re lucky will change your perspective on things, and will make you realize that you’re not as down on your luck as you once thought. A few positive thoughts go a long way!

2. Give yourself a chance.

Ever chanced upon a contest you wanted to join, but didn’t bother sending an entry for because you didn’t think you’d win anyway? When this happens, you’re depriving yourself of the opportunity to create luck for yourself. Always ask yourself, ‘what do I have to lose?’ Chances are your losses will be negligible compared to the potential payoff you’d get. Always go back to the previous item: Remember, you’re luckier than you think!

3. Remember the golden rule.

‘Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.’ Treat others with kindness and take every opportunity to spread joy and happiness, and you’ll find your good karma (and your good luck) increasing.

4. Practice Feng Shui.

The Chinese practice Feng Shui to bring balance, good health, wealth, and luck into their lives. Its basic tenets revolve around the flow of positive energy, or Chi. The more harmonious your surroundings are, the easier it is for Chi to flow freely. Some things you can do is to keep your surroundings neat and clean at all times, add plants to your home, and use crystals to amplify your energy.

5. Have a lucky charm.

There’s no such thing as too much luck, and it surely wouldn’t hurt to have a few lucky charms to increase your chances of success! And if you think that carrying around a lucky charm is childish, think again: Even high-profile personalities like former U.S.A. President Barack Obama, Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles, and Fashion Designer Tory Burch carry small trinkets to boost their luck.

6. Work harder.

Your journey through life can be compared to a stroll along a corridor lined with doors, wherein you have the option to choose which ones you’d like to unlock and step through. Some doors will lead to nicer places, but will require a bit more effort to open. Are you willing to put in the extra work to attain a brighter future? It’s all up to you.

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Want to get a lucky deal on our bestselling Smart Frames? Get up to 25% off selected Nixplay Frames, only until March 24!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.