Author: Nixplay Team Page 6 of 9

Easy Easter Crafts Your Kids Can Do

On April 17, 2019

Easter is one of the best times to try new arts and crafts projects, with all the colorful eggs, adorable chicks and bunnies, and vibrant springtime themes. Get your kids’ creative juices flowing by taking on these Easter-themed projects:

Pompom chicks

Not only are pompoms very easy to make, but they’re super adorable, too. Just get a ball of yellow yarn and wrap it around your fingers–the more times you wrap the yarn around your fingers, the fluffier your pompom will be. When there’s a thick enough loop of yarn around your fingers, remove it from your fingers and keep it in place by tying another piece of yarn in the middle. Cut through all the loops, and trim the ends until you have a nice ball of fluff. Glue on a pair of googly eyes, and cut out the chick’s feet and beak on orange felt paper, and you’ve got the most adorable fluffball on your hands.

Easter egg potato stamps

Keep young kids entertained at your Easter party by letting them get crafty! Cut a few potatoes in half and carve designs on them using a knife (make sure an adult is doing this part!). The kids can then dip the sliced potatoes into colorful paint, then stamp them on paper. Encourage them to get creative by preparing colored pens, ribbons, small twigs, and other materials they can add to their egg-inspired artwork.

Salt dough egg ornaments

Give your garden an Easter touch with some eggs-tra colorful decorations! Mix flour, salt, and water together to make the dough, knead it properly, and roll it out. Cut out egg-shaped ovals from the dough, add a hole in each egg, and bake it at 250F for two hours. Paint the eggs after they’re dried and cooled, and add a layer of paint sealer to make sure the eggs’ design will last for a long time. Thread some twine or ribbon through the eggs’ wholes, and hang them on the plants in your yard. If you’re hosting an Easter egg hunt at home, these will make for the perfect decoration.

Bunny ears hairpin

Can’t pull off actual-sized bunny ears? This cute little hairpin will be a great alternative. Trace and cut out two small circles and four bunny ear shapes on white felt paper, draw two smaller bunny ears on light pink felt paper. Sew together two white bunny ears, and glue on a pink bunny ear. Repeat the process to make the other ear, and make the bottom of the ears pointed so they won’t look bulky when attached together. Next, attach the bunny ears to a white felt circle by creating a slot in the middle of the circle and inserting the bottom of the ears. Then, slide a hairpin on to the other white felt circle and glue it under the felt circle with bunny ears.

Bunny napkin rings

Planning an Easter party? These napkin bunny rings will add an adorable touch to your table setting. Wrap some burlap around a cut-up toilet paper tube, seal it with hot glue, and glue on two burlap bunny ears. Repeat the process depending on the number of your guests. It’s a small addition that will make your guests more excited for the Easter festivities.

Don’t forget to document your Easter crafts with lots of photos! Display them on a Nixplay frame so the memories of the fun holiday will always be within reach. Don’t miss the chance to get up to 25% off selected frames, only until April 21!

4 Ways to Help A Survivor of Brain Injury

By Nixplay Team

On April 12, 2019

In Lifestyle

Caregiving for a loved one with a brain injury can cause stress in many ways. Family members of individuals with memory disorders resulting from injury report that the main problem is not the injury itself but the ambiguity it causes.

Adding to the stress, unpredictable memory loss brings a rollercoaster of absence and presence. While each survivor’s recovery is unique and many experience lifelong consequences, there are strategies to cope with these uncertainties:

Awareness and Education

Family members should try to gain as much information about brain injury as possible. Knowledge increases confidence and may reduce the anxiety that many feel when confronted with the unknown. The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey has an extensive guide, available in English and Spanish, that outlines what families can expect after a loved one has sustained a brain injury.

Connection with a Support Group

Joining a support group will help both family and survivor connect with people going through similar circumstances. This provides social and emotional support—a safe place to vent frustrations, share ideas and learn new strategies. Brands like Nixplay can also offer survivors of brain injury, their families and friends a way to unite the moments from the past and present. Memories shared in photographs can help reinforce a support system which is crucial to brain injury rehabilitation.

A “Both/And” Mindset for Family Members

Caregivers are encouraged to adopt a “both/and” mindset as opposed to an “either/or.” For example, rather than thinking the care recipients have to be either here or gone, think of them as here and gone. This type of thinking is thought to be less stressful over time and practice.

Keeping it Simple

For people who have sustained a brain injury, memory issues can present different kinds of challenges. Memory changes are common even after a mild concussion, often a result of injury to the frontal and temporal lobes and limbic system. To cope, researchers suggest “keeping it simple.” Break information down into smaller pieces and try to keep a routine. Having an organized life can help reduce the burden of memory and learning. Using memory aids, such as calendars, lists, and notebooks, will help recovery of important details.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the impacts of brain injury, you can contact BIANJ Helpline at 1-800-669-4323. You can also donate to vital programs and services advocating for brain injury survivors.

What’s Your Favorite Memory With Your Siblings?

By Nixplay Team

On April 10, 2019

In Lifestyle

Having siblings isn’t always smooth sailing. There are times when they get on your nerves and test your patience, No matter how old you get. But despite this, you have to admit that they make life way more colorful, and that you can’t imagine growing up without them by your side.

To celebrate National Siblings Day, we asked a few readers about their favorite memories with their siblings. Here’s what they said!

“They’re all about tough love.”

“I’m an only girl with three older brothers, so you can imagine how crazy it can get at home sometimes. But the great thing about growing up in a brood of boys is that though they’re all about tough love, they really dote on you. They taught me how to play basketball, and when I told them that I wanted to try out for the varsity team, they would take turns practicing with me after school. And when I played my first championship game, they made a huge banner for me and would loudly cheer every time I made a shot. It was a bit embarrassing, but looking back, it was a very sweet gesture that really showed they care.” – Chrissy, 33

“I was his best man.”

“I’ll never forget the time I stood as the best man at my younger brother’s wedding. I saw him grow up right before my very eyes, and sometimes I still think of him as a gangly, nerdy teenager. Seeing him at the altar, promising he’ll love his wife forever, really brought tears to my eyes. He turned out to be a really great guy, and I’ll always be so proud of him.” – Brian, 37

“We closed our gap at a family vacation.”

“My favorite moment with my sister was when we planned a surprise Caribean vacation for our mom, who raised us by herself. My sister and I have never been really close since there’s an eight-year age gap between us, but we collaborated for months to plan the trip–comparing destinations and plane tickets, looking for resorts, planning the itinerary, and shopping for outfits. The experience brought us closer, and now we’re planning to go to Europe, just the two of us!” – Elizabeth, 28

“We watched shooting stars together.”

“We’re 6 siblings, a mix of girls and boys. One evening when I was in grade school, my eldest brother snuck me and my siblings out to the backyard when our parents were already asleep so we can watch a meteor shower. We arranged our sleeping bags in a circle and fell asleep while counting shooting stars. I think that’s my favorite moment with my siblings.” – Jan, 25

Complete your favorite moments with your siblings with a Nixplay Frame! It’s the perfect addition to your home. Take advantage of our National Siblings Day sale and get up to 25% off selected frames, only until April 10!

7 Presents you Can Buy Mum For Mothering Sunday

By Nixplay Team

On March 22, 2019

In Gifting Guides

For all the sacrifices she has made for the family, you’ll definitely agree with us that mum deserves only the best. With Mother’s Day coming up in the United Kingdom, make it an extra special holiday with these gift suggestions.

A Spotify Premium Subscription

A Spotify Premium Subscription lets her enjoy all her favorite songs, on the go. Set up her account for her, and while you’re at it, make a playlist of her favorite songs, as well as some musical gems you’d dedicate to her like “More Than A Woman” by the BeeGees, “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion, and “Mama” by the Spice Girls.

A Nixplay Frame

A Nixplay photo frame pre-loaded with mum’s favorite photos will make for a touching gift. It’s a timeless present that will delight her for years to come. Just make sure to keep it updated with your family’s latest photos!

PS: UK residents can get up to 25% off selected Nixplay Frames, only until March 31!

A flowering plant

Does mum have a green thumb? A pretty plant that’s easy to care for will make for a lovely gift that will last a long time. Some orchids, perhaps, or a succulent in an adorable pot

Customized birthstone jewelry

A pretty trinket with birthstones of the members of your family will make for a delightful gift. Make sure to get jewelry made of non-tarnish metal so your mum’s skin wouldn’t be irritated!

A framed personalized print

Found an artist whose work you adore? Commission him or her to create a piece for mum! It can be a portrait of mum or an adorable illustration of your family. Make sure to get it professionally framed so it’ll last for a long time.

Scented candles

While some may dismiss scented candles as frivolous fire hazards, you have to admit that they add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any room. For Mother’s Day, splurge a bit on designer scented candles—the better for mum to relax with.

Great cookware

If mum loves to cook, spoil her with excellent cookware. A Le Creuset cast iron casserole, preferably in her favorite color, will ensure that you’ll be her favorite in the family (of course, your new status will be a secret between the two of you).

How To Improve Your Selfie Game This 2019

By Nixplay Team

On February 18, 2019

In Photography

We’re almost two months into 2019—time just flies, huh? That said, have you changed your profile pictures already? While it’s far from being a necessity, it’s a nice way to edit and reevaluate your social media presence. The easiest way to do this is to take a selfie and get on with your day, but it has to be a really good selfie to be considered profile picture-worthy.

So, how exactly can you take a selfie that’s majestic enough to be featured prominently online? Read on for some easy tips. Don’t forget to display your best selfies on your Nixplay frame!

Use the rear camera.

While the front camera lets you examine how you look while you’re taking your pictures, the lens’ resolution is admittedly less clear. The rear camera has a higher resolution compared to the front camera, resulting in clearer, more defined images. Using the rear camera also forces you to look at the lens instead of your phone’s screen, letting you engage with your selfies’ viewers in a better way.

Find your light.

The key to looking great in all your photos is to look for the most flattering light source and face it. But choose your light carefully. Harsh, fluorescent white light can be extremely unflattering, so opt for natural light as often as possible. Take your selfies outdoors or near windows, when the sun isn’t so high up in the sky. The few hours after sunrise and before sunset, in particular, can bathe you in a beautiful golden glow. If there’s no source of natural light, opt for warm yellow indoor light instead.

Mind your background.

Look for pretty wallpaper, vibrantly hued walls, colorful tiles, or picturesque sweeping views. These seemingly small details will go a long way in making your selfies more interesting and more worthy to be a replacement for your current profile picture. But before you take that photo, don’t forget to check your background first. Look for wires, mess, or trash that you can take out of the frame. And if you’re taking a selfie at a particularly beautiful bathroom—for the love of all that is photogenic, please keep the toilet bowl out of the frame!

Don’t over-edit!

It’s okay to do minimal edits to your selfies: minimize eyebags, neutralize red spots, and adjust the lighting to achieve a great glow. But don’t go overboard and start resizing your nose and shaving your jawline! Too much editing will make you scarcely recognizable, turning you into a completely different person. You want to still be recognizable in your selfies, not to look like a cartoon version of yourself.

Angle away.

You probably have at least one friend who always looks good in all her photos. Either your friend is just really good-looking, or maybe he or she just knows all the most flattering angles. Practice your poses in front of the mirror, and try different angles and smiles until you find the perfect angle: One that elongates your neck, conceals your eye bags, and just makes you look like a better version of yourself.