Author: Mars Salazar Page 6 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 Skills That Can Earn You Serious Cash

By Mars Salazar

On June 18, 2020

In Lifestyle

In order to thrive and survive in today’s fast-paced, cutthroat corporate world, learning new skills is just as important as improving your existing ones. The good news is that there are several business skills that can give your resume a boost and open new opportunities for you to generate more income. By allotting the time and effort to learn these skills, you can easily gain an edge over your counterparts.

Languages

Being fluent in another language can open the door to many opportunities. You can find full-time and part-time work as a translator or as a bilingual customer service agent–roles that can keep your language skills polished while paying you well.

Computer Programming

In the age of the internet, knowing a programming language like JavaScript or Python is a handy skill. The good news is that several programming resources are available on the internet, perfect for mastering the basics. When you’re more confident in your skills, invest in classes that offer certifications, which you can add to your resume to give it a boost.

Agriculture

If you have enough land, you can explore opportunities in agriculture. Growing your own plants is an essential skill that can save you lots of money and make you more cash in the process. You can focus on organic fruits and vegetables, which can command premium prices. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can try reselling herbs and ornamental plants in nice vases. It’s not easy money, but it’s definitely fulfilling.

Photo Organization

You probably have several photo albums and boxes at home filled with snapshots from times gone by. Have you ever thought about sorting the images, scanning them, and creating digital backups of your family’s memories? More importantly, have you considered doing this for others? By being a photo organizer, you can help people manage their printed and digital photo collections and tell their stories in the best way. The Photo Managers offers a certification course to get you started on this path.

Graphic Design

Artistic folks can monetize their talent by dabbling in graphic design. Mastery of essential design programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign can land you full-time or freelance work in several industries. There are several resources available online, both free and paid.

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.

8 Gift Ideas for the Dapper Dad

By Mars Salazar

On June 16, 2020

In Gifting Guides

Still wracking your brain for the best Father’s Day gift for your stylish dad? We’re here to help. Here some handy suggestions:

Noise-canceling headphones

Give the busy executive dad a gadget he’ll be able to use a lot. A pair of noise-canceling headphones can be his perfect companion during conference calls, long-haul flights, and lazy afternoons spent listening to his ebooks and podcasts.

Try: Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II, Apple AirPods Pro

A grooming kit

For the dad who always strives to look his best–or who just needs to replace his ancient razor.

Try: Bevel Shave Kit, Kiehl’s Men’s Grooming Essentials

Stylish sunglasses

A handsome pair of sunglasses will always be appreciated by dad. Get him a classic pair that will stand the test of time and will keep him looking sharp during backyard barbecues, grocery runs, and everything in between.

Try: Ray-Ban Clubmaster Classic, Oakley Holbrook

Timeless loafers

The ultimate dad shoe. Comfortable, effortlessly stylish, and a certified classic.

Try: Sperry Plushwave Penny Loafer, Tod’s City Gommino Driving Shoes in Suede-Brown

A Nixplay Frame

Does dad love taking photos? Make sure his snaps are perfectly displayed on the USA’s bestselling digital photo frame. Nixplay’s Father’s Day Sale is ongoing–now’s your chance to get up to 30% off on selected frames!

A bottle of his favorite alcohol

Didn’t manage to buy a gift in time? When all else fails, swing by the liquor store: a bottle of his favorite drink should do the trick.

Try: The Glenlivet 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Aviation Old Tom Gin

A UV sanitizer case

These days, it’s especially important to keep your surroundings and things squeaky-clean. A UV Sanitizer should properly disinfect for dad’s gadgets, gizmos, and other small items.

Try: https://www.casetify.com/protects/uv-sanitizer

A book he’ll love

Delight dad with this easy but thoughtful gift idea: A tome about the things that interest him most. See our other recommendations here.

Try: The American House by Phaidon, The Loyal Son: The War in Ben Franklin’s House by Daniel Mark Epstein

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.

5 Good Habits You Could Easily Start Today

By Mars Salazar

On June 15, 2020

In Lifestyle

Do you still remember the resolutions you made at the beginning of the year? If you’ve totally forgotten about them, we don’t blame you one bit, given the way 2020 has rolled by so far. Still, it’s not yet too late to turn over a new leaf! There’s always room for improvement and more than enough time to develop new habits. You can start with these:

1. Make Healthier Food Choices

As the saying goes, you are what you eat…and you probably don’t want to be a bag of high-sodium chips or a pack of instant noodles. The solution: Eat more fruits and vegetables, go for white meat instead of red, avoid processed and microwaveable food. Experiment with different recipes and find ways to make eating healthier a happy experience. Your body will thank you in the future.

2. Exercise Regularly

The most difficult thing about exercising is actually getting on the fitness wagon. The first few days (or weeks) of a new exercise routine are always the most painful, but you have to dig in and push yourself. You can make it an easier experience by doing workouts that you enjoy. Yoga and pilates are great options for improving your flexibility, while running helps a lot in releasing tension and stress. If you’re a competitive sort, you can try your hand at racquet sports like badminton or table tennis.

3. Stay grateful

No matter how crazy the world gets, never forget that you will always have so many things to be thankful for. Nurture a grateful mindset by keeping a gratitude journal. List down all the things you’re thankful for each day–you’ll always have something to write about, no matter how uneventful your day might have been–and try to pay it forward in any way you can.

4. Keep Your Surroundings Organized

While decluttering can be tedious, it’s actually the day-to-day organization that will really test your mettle. Get into the habit of cleaning up as you go, wherever you may be. Make sure that there’s adequate storage for all your belongings. Life will be so easy once you get into this habit.

5. Limit Your Screen Time

If you’re working from home, you’re probably in front of either your computer or your phone screen all day long. That’s not good for your eyes, nor would it improve your productivity. You can try various productivity techniques, such as the Pomodoro method, to focus on your tasks and minimize distractions. You can also impose a “hard stop” time on your devices so your work doesn’t overlap with your personal time.

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.

5 Best Books About Fatherhood

By Mars Salazar

On June 12, 2020

In Lifestyle

While much has been said and written about the glory (and the difficulty) of being a mother, it’s important to remember that fathers don’t have it easy, either. These five books capture the core essence of fatherhood–that primordial drive to be a provider, a protector, a supporter, and a friend to your child–in heart-touching ways.

Someone Could Get Hurt: A Memoir of Twenty-First-Century Parenthood by Drew Magary

Being a parent isn’t easy–and it’s something that GQ correspondent Drew Magary’s perfectly captured in his collection of relatable stories about the contemporary American parenting experience. The stories, which range from indulging a child’s request to play princess, to watching in resigned helplessness as a kid pees in a public pool, will have the reader alternating between laughing out loud and shaking their head in understanding.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This American classic, set in the 1930s in the town of Macomb, Alabama, tells the story of lawyer Atticus Finch through his daughter Scout’s eyes. Atticus is given the responsibility of defending Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. The chances of Tom being acquitted is extremely slim, but Atticus still gives his all to do the right thing–teaching his children (as well as the reader) important life lessons along the way.

The Loyal Son: The War in Ben Franklin’s House by Daniel Mark Epstein

Nobody’s exempt from parenting woes–not even America’s founding fathers. The Loyal Son digs into the turbulent relationship between Benjamin Franklin and his illegitimate son, William. Ben raised William to be his aide and successor, but the American Revolution created a gaping chasm between the two, who found themselves standing on opposite sides of history. This is one book history buffs shouldn’t miss.

Be Prepared by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden

This book would be a godsend for new dads and soon-to-be fathers. It covers things every dad should know, such as changing diapers and childproofing rooms, plus more interesting topics, such as foods you should never feed your baby. And it’s all wrapped in one delightfully funny, easy-to-read package, complete with illustrations.

Let Love Have the Last Word: A Memoir by Common

In this book, award-winning musician and actor Common reflects on what it means to live a life guided by love. He touches on personal matters, such as his relationship with his daughter, and progresses to bigger issues, such as the racial and political issues that divide humanity. It will make you reflect on the world around you and how you can help make it better.

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.

6 Simple Ways To Make Your Home Feel Cozier

By Mars Salazar

On June 9, 2020

In Home & Interiors

Since we’re spending more time at home these days, it makes sense to make your abode as inviting to live in as possible. The good news is that you don’t necessarily need an expensive renovation job to achieve this goal. With these simple steps, you can transform your interiors into your own definition of a relaxing home without spending too much.

1. Clean up your clutter

Being in a disorganized environment can be stressful. If you’re on a quest to make your home a more relaxing place to be in, tidying up should be on top of your to-do list. Set aside a couple of days to tackle bursting cupboards, messy shelves, and tables piled high with all sorts of things. Be ruthless when decluttering, and dispose of items that don’t make you happy or are just not practical. Finally, make sure to organize your belongings, and invest in extra storage if necessary. While decluttering can be tedious and time-consuming, you’ll find that it can do wonders in making your place feel more liveable.

2. Soften the room with textiles

Drape a blanket on your couch, replace heavy curtains with sheer ones to let the sunlight in, and add pillows to your sofa to invite people to curl up and snuggle. A plush rug and a pouf ottoman can also get people to put up their feet and relax. These small, simple touches go a long way in making a home feel more comfortable.

3. Display your favorite photos and mementos

Meaningful souvenirs, trinkets, and home decor can give your abode personality. These items are special to you, so it only makes sense to give them a place of honor in your home. This philosophy should extend to your photos: Why would you take dozens of photos during a vacation or a special event, only to keep them filed away in your computer forever? By displaying your photos on a Nixplay Smart Photo Frame, you’ll always be reminded of your favorite moments with the people that mean most to you.

4. Use smart appliances

What’s better than a home decked with the latest gadgets and gizmos? A home decked with gadgets that you can control with your voice or with your phone, that’s what. Invest in a Google Home or an Amazon Echo device, which you can use to control your other appliances. These smart home assistants work with Nixplay Frames, and you can just ask Google Home Assistant or Amazon Alexa to turn on your frame and play your favorite photo playlist if you’re in need of a pick-me-up.

5. Opt for warm lighting

You’d be surprised by how much impact lighting can have on a room’s atmosphere. Use natural light as much as possible–Avoid harsh, fluorescent lights, and look for energy-efficient bulbs that can impart a soft, warm glow to your space. You can also light some candles to give a room a relaxing ambiance.

6. Decorate with greenery

Plants can breathe life into an otherwise dreary space–and we mean this quite literally, as they give off oxygen and help purify the air in your home. The crucial thing is choosing the right plants for your home and lifestyle. Beginner plant moms and dads can opt for plants that are easy to care for, such as succulents or snake plants. If you love to cook, you can try tending to some potted herbs by your kitchen window. A potted palm or a fiddle leaf fig, meanwhile, can brighten up more spacious rooms.

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.