Author: Mars Salazar Page 5 of 29

On June 26, 2020

Hundreds of books have been written about the importance of productivity: How you need to work smarter, not harder; how you need to make every second count; how to keep improving every day.

But there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity. Some methods that may work for you may not work for your friends, and that’s fine. That’s why we’ve listed a few apps that can help you achieve your productivity goals, no matter your working style.

Hootsuite

Juggling several social media accounts? Why not use Hootsuite to manage them all from one dashboard? This game-changer lets you update your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn accounts from the same screen, saving your time and energy. It also lets you schedule your content in advance, making it the perfect tool for your influencer aspirations. And you don’t have to worry about logging into each platform every time and remembering your passwords. Speaking of passwords…

LastPass

If you’re always forgetting your passwords (and we’re probably all guilty of that), then LastPass might just be your new best friend. It’s a password management tool that generates secure passwords for all your accounts and keeps track of them in a vault which you can access using a master password–the only code you should remember. If you want to improve your digital security, LastPass is for you.

Toggl

One measure of productivity is the time spent working on a project. This is where Toggl comes in. This time tracker gives you a breakdown of the hours or minutes spend on a task, giving you the opportunity to adjust the way you work in order to become more efficient. It’s especially useful for freelancers and project-based employees who bill clients by the hour.

Evernote

Evernote is one of the best note-taking apps out there. It lets you keep track of your ideas easily by typing lists, adding photos, sketching doodles, or uploading PDFs. It’s smart, too: if you’re looking for a particular idea you had about, say, blueberries, Evernote will scan through all your notes–including the drawings and images–to give you what you’re looking for. And if you’re working with a group, you can use the app to share notes and collaborate easily.

Stayfocusd

It’s so easy to get caught in distractions when you’re supposed to be working on a spreadsheet, creating a presentation, or typing a paper. Enter Stayfocusd. This Google Chrome browser extension, when enabled, blocks websites that can pose a distraction while you’re trying to work. You can also set a schedule so it’s automatically enabled during your work hours, and set time limits for your social media fix.

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.

How To Photograph Fireworks Like A Pro

On June 25, 2020

In Photography

With the Fourth of July coming up, it’ll be good for you to know how to take great photos of fireworks. They’re one of the most majestic things you can see–and one of the most challenging subjects to capture on camera. If you want to improve your fireworks photos, here are some tips to get you started.

How To Photograph Fireworks Like An Expert

Scout for a great location

When shooting fireworks, it’s crucial to secure a good spot from which you can capture the magic without obstruction. Location matters, and if you can find an elevated space away from the crowds (to make sure that people’s heads or limbs won’t be in your shot), that would be perfect. Your location also plays a huge factor in your photos’ background. Do you want to shoot fireworks against an unobstructed night sky, the city skyline, or the mountains? Where you’ll be shooting can spell the difference between a good fireworks photo and a great one.

Use a tripod and a remote

Now that you’ve secured your location, the next thing you need to do is to secure your camera so you don’t end up with blurred shots. This is especially important for fast-moving subjects: when every split-second counts, you want to make sure you’re prepared. A tripod should come in handy, and controlling shots using a remote can further reduce camera shake.

Think about your framing

First things first: Are you shooting landscape or portrait? The former is great if you’re including the surrounding scenery, while the latter is better if you want to highlight the fireworks.

You also have to remember that different types of fireworks have different heights. Adjusting your camera constantly to get the fireworks in the frame could result in missed shots. Instead of trying to take photos of every explosion, it’s more efficient to just focus on a particular section of the sky and capture the action there.

Use slow shutter speeds and shoot at a low ISO

Long exposure shots are perfect for capturing the fireworks’ movement. Try to keep the shutter open from the moment the firework starts to explode until it finishes exploding. But don’t try to keep it open too long, lest you overexpose the shot.

Shooting at a high ISO will result in brighter but noisier images–something you don’t want if your goal is to capture the contrast between the fireworks’ bright lines and the inky sky as cleanly as possible.

Don’t forget to display your fireworks photos on a Nixplay Frame! We’re having a Secret Sale on our US site right now: Get up to 25% off selected frames, only until July 12!

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.

Keeping the Love Alive in the Age of Social Distancing

On June 23, 2020

These days, being in a romantic relationship when you’re not living in the same place as your partner can be difficult. But even if physical contact is discouraged, you shouldn’t abandon your romantic pursuits. Sure, staying connected is more challenging, but it’s all part of the fun. Here are some ways to keep the love alive despite the six-feet-minimum distance.

1. Say it via snail mail

In the age of email and instant messaging, snail mail is practically a relic of the past. But you have to admit, nothing compares to the thrill of receiving a handwritten letter via post. Send each other love letters, sweet notes about your day, drawings, and postcards–this can be the start of a romantic tradition that’s unique to you.

2. Have a virtual movie night

On a more modern note, you and your partner can have a virtual movie date within the comfort of your respective homes. Third-party applications such as Netflix Party and Watch2Gether let you watch Netflix shows, YouTube videos, and other content at the same time.

3. Talk on the phone

Remember the good old days, pre-emojis and social media, when you’d spend hours on the landline talking to your friends about schoolwork, your crushes, your favorite TV shows, and every little thing that held your interest back then? It’s the best time to bring it back. Use your phone’s minutes to whisper sweet nothings to your partner. Plus, you don’t have to worry about looking your best on camera the whole time.

4. Share photos via Nixplay Frames

We’re living in an interesting time that will undoubtedly go down in history, and you should document everything for posterity. Take photos of your activities, your day-to-day life, and the new normal around your neighborhood, and share them with your partner via Nixplay. It’s the easiest way to stay connected visually.

PS: We’re having a Secret Sale right now in our US Site! Get up to 25% off selected frames, only until July 12!

5. Have food delivered to each other

When you can’t go out for a proper dinner date, the next best thing to do is to recreate the experience of dining out at home. Mark special occasions by having your favorite restaurant deliver your favorite dishes to you and your partner’s respective homes, setting up a video call, and eating your meal while enjoying the conversation. Take it up a notch by dressing up and decorating your background, and uncork a bottle of wine to up the romance.

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.

7 Family-Friendly Games You Should Play Right Now

On June 22, 2020

With all the time we’re spending at home, now’s the perfect opportunity to brush up on your games. Whether you’re on the search for a quick game to pass the time or an immersive simulation, you’ll have a fun time with these picks:

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Platform: Nintendo Switch

The timing of the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons could not be better: with most folks staying at home due to a global pandemic, the game offered a welcome relief from real-world stress. Players have spent dozens of hours on the game beautifying their islands, collecting rare items and creatures, and getting the best animal villagers–and it’s about time you join in the fun.

2. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, Macintosh operating systems, Linux

If world domination has always been one of your life’s goals, this game is for you. In this turn-based strategy game, you will be tasked to turn your early settlement into a world power by founding new cities, amassing a formidable army, engaging in trade and diplomacy, and discovering new technology. There are also game expansions available should you require a more difficult challenge.

3. Overcooked!

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Imagine: You and your friends preparing a range of dishes and serving them to customers. Oh, and parts of the kitchen are moving or disappearing, your customers are getting impatient, you’ve run out of clean dishes, and whatever was on the stove is now on fire. That’s normal in Overcooked, the most chaotic cooking game this side of the Onion Kingdom. It’s up to you and your family to work together to become the best cooking team the game has ever seen.

4. Minecraft Dungeons

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

The latest Minecraft game will have you exploring several dungeons with monsters, puzzles, traps, and treasures. Use whichever armor and weapon you want to accomplish your goals. The gameplay is simple enough and the graphics are charming, making this a great multiplayer pick for kids.

5. Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Sword and Shield is the latest addition to the ever-expanding Pokemon world, introducing 81 new creatures to catch and train. Set in the Galar region (a place inspired by the United Kingdom), its new features include “Dynamaxing” and “Gigantamaxing”, which make Pokemon grow to a tremendous size; and Poke Jobs, which allow Pokemon to complete requests to gain experience points or special items. It’s definitely not the Pokemon game you grew up with–and that’s a good thing.

6. NBA 2K20

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Google Stadia, Microsoft Windows

Basketball fans shouldn’t miss NBA 2K20, which lets you go on the court with real-life and customized players and teams. There are several gameplay options, meaning you’ll never get bored: You can play using your favorite NBA team, create an all-star team with your favorite players, control a single character in MyCareer mode, or face other players online. It’ll take some time to get used to the technicality of NBA 2K20, but don’t let the challenge deter you: As they say, this is why we play.

7. Just Dance 2020

Platforms: Wii, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Google Stadia

Just Dance is one of the most fun ways to burn calories. The premise is simple enough: you’ll just need to copy the on-screen dancer’s choreography using your controller to rack up points. Before you know it, you’d have spent a couple of hours dancing in front of your screen. Now, if you’re a bit uncoordinated, the more complicated tracks might prove challenging. But that’s what makes it more fun, don’t you think?

Don’t forget to take pictures of the fun times you’ll have with your family while gaming! Display them on a Nixplay Smart Photo Frame so you’ll have new moments of the past few months to keep close to your heart.

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.

9 Songs That Beautifully Capture Fatherhood

On June 19, 2020

Want to give your father a heartwarming surprise on Father’s Day? You can curate a playlist for him with his favorite songs, interspersed with songs about the joys of fatherhood. It’ll be the perfect soundtrack for the Father’s Day activities you’ve planned with the rest of the family. Here are some songs you can add!

“Just The Two Of Us” by Will Smith

Memorable Lyrics:

I know I loved you more than life itself
Then to my knees, and I begged the Lord, please
Let me be a good daddy, all he needs
Love, knowledge, discipline too
I pledge my life to you

“Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon

Memorable Lyrics:

I’m gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you always know
As long as one and one is two
Ooh ooh
There could never be a father
Love his daughter more than I love you

“I Learned From You” by Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus

Memorable Lyrics:

I learned from you that I do not crumble
I learned that strength is something you choose
All of the reasons to keep on believin’
There’s no question, that’s a lesson
I learned from you

“Right By You (for Luna)” by John Legend

Memorabe Lyrics:

And even when it all becomes too much
When you’re growing old and feeling out of touch
Ooh, listen to this song and just take care
And know that I will be there

“Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle

Memorable Lyrics:

Oh, with all that I’ve done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning
And butterfly kisses at night

“Daddy” by Beyonce

Memorable Lyrics:

No matter what mistakes I make you’re there for me
You cure my disappointments and you heal my pain
You understood my biz and you protected me
I treasure every irreplaceable memory

“Danny’s Song” by Loggins and Messina

Memorable Lyrics:

Pisces, Virgo rising
Is a very good sign
Strong and kind
And the little boy is mine
But, now I see a family
Where once was none

“Papa Can You Hear Me?” by Barbra Streisand

Memorable lyrics:

I remember ev’rything you thought me
Ev’ry book I’ve ever read
Can all the words in all the books
Help me to face what lies ahead?

“Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross

Memorable lyrics:

Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me
And then
Spin me around ’till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure
I was loved