Category: Holidays Page 11 of 13

Stories about the occasions that matter most.

Capture Chinese New Year in the US

On February 14, 2018

The good thing about the Chinese New Year is that anyone can experience it, whether you are in the US or Europe, you don’t need to make a pilgrimage to China as through their long and extensive history of trade, there are sizable Chinese diasporas in nearly every country in the world. We’ve compiled a list of the top places in the US to take in and capture the wide array of festivities to welcome to year of the Earth Dog – one of the biggest celebrations in the world – right in their backyards. There’s something for everyone and the best thing is, it’s all family friendly.

San Francisco: In the US, most Chinatowns will be dazzling in red and gold. Our top recommendation is the one in San Francisco, being the oldest Chinatown in the country, they have things on for around 15 days including a massive parade that includes more than 100 floats, as well as performances with a 28-foot dragon dance as the highlight.
Los Angeles: Fancy a scavenger hunt? The Firecracker 10k is the place to be. Whilst you can dazzle in the auras of the flower fair in Monetary Park. There is much more than celebratory spotting and plastic surgery contemplation as this time of year.
The LA Fire Cracker 10k. Photo Credit: Mike Danenberg.
New York: Still getting over the magical New Year’s Day countdown? Well, New York New York comes in third with its own very unique surprises. The extravaganza starts with New Year’s Day Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. The highlight of the festivities can be found by heading out to Manhattan, which has a large scale parade on February 16th taking place in Manhattan’s Chinatown. The China Institute of America also conducts workshops during the Chinese New Year weekend.
Chinese New Year parade in New York City
Washington DC: No, Donald Trump isn’t coming out dressed as a dragon, but there’s plenty to do at this time of year in the nation’s capital. A lot of the buzz revolves around restaurants such as Ping Pong Dim Sum with its party brunch and the folks at Toki Underground will host cooking classes, there is no better way to get into the spirit by getting your hand dirty. This all culminates with yet another lively parade in Chinatown, which features much more than floats – kung fu is very much in the mix. An enriching experience can be found as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, which hosts a Chinese New Year event.
Dragon head from Chinese New Year Parade in Washington DC.
Boston: Being home the third largest Chinatown in the US, has its perks. From, restaurants to traditional Chinese displays of lion dances makes it a perfect time to take in the sights and sounds.
Chicago: We round of our list with Chicago, which takes a more scholarly approach that will leave you feeling somewhat enlightened by learning more about the Lunar New Year. Being home to the Chinese American Museum, there are a series of informative sessions where you can even see how the all-famous lion dance is made. Not only that, but there’s a special (encore) performance by the Chinese National Opera.
Entrance to the Chinese American Museum in Chicago

This is just a sample of the best Chinese New Year events out there; most States have some form of celebrations so you should have no problem finding Chinese New Year closer to home. All these events happen during the Chinese New Year period, which is on February 16 in 2018 – most things in the US happen in a window of 7 days, and nothing beyond 15 days, so don’t miss out. The above festivities also happen on an annual basis, so if you’ve missed it out on this occasion, make sure you plan early for 2019, which will welcome the year of the Pig on February 5.

Remember all these entertaining and dazzling occasions are best for photography, making lasting memories. Make it count by purchasing and displaying it on a NIX/ Nixplay digital photo frame. The new NIX Lux collection’s elegant design can complement a large collection of those beautiful Lunar New Year photos captured; whilst grandma can enjoy her stunning Nixplay Iris WiFi cloud frames and see what all the fuss is about without leaving her front door!

Beatrice Bisais

Bea is Nixplay’s Social Media Manager. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading about wars, and writing stories. Send her a message at beatrice.bisais@nixplay.com.

Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas For Children

By Beatrice Bisais

On October 27, 2017

In Holidays, Special Moments

Let’s just put it out there: You’re not the only one who forgot to organize a Halloween costume for your child this year. But now it’s the day of the party, and you really have to stretch to the limits of your imagination for those children’s costume ideas. So, we’ve done the thinking for you!

Quick, easy and simple, be sure to treasure the memories with some photos, perfectly displayed on one of our Nixplay Digital Photo Frames.

Emojis

You can get really creative with this one–and get your kids involved too! All you need is a large cardboard box, some scissors, string and paint.

Cut the cardboard into a large circle, get some yellow paint, and create the base for your emoji costume. The rest is up to you. Just choose your favourite emoji, or the one you think best suits your child, and paint the face onto your yellow canvas!

To finish it off, pierce two holes at the top, thread the string and turn your emoji face into a necklace.

And there you have it: A quick, easy kid’s Halloween costume!

Halloween Mummy

This one may be pretty basic, but it’s an absolute classic. Simply gather all the toilet paper in your house (don’t worry, you can pick some more up at the grocery store tomorrow), or a roll of bandages may be more robust. Dress your kid in all-white, and get wrapping! Leave some strands of toilet paper hanging from the body for the complete mummified-effect, or go one step further and add some black face paint to the eyes!

Bag of jelly beans

This last minute Halloween costume involves blowing up a lot of balloons, so if you have an air pump handy for birthday parties, you’d best bring it out.

You will need:

1.Various colored balloons

2. A clear trash bag

3. Scissors

Cut 4 holes in a clear trash bag for arms and legs and get your child to wear it. Blow up a couple of different colored balloons, enough to fill the trash bag, and tie the bag loosely around your child’s nect. And there you have it, your own little bag of jelly beans!

Hershey’s Kiss

You will need:

1.Wire hangers

2.A hula hoop

3. Chart paper strip

4. Lots and lots of foil

This last-minute Halloween costume is so adorable, you’ll want all the kisses!

First create the foil cap by layering and molding sheets of foil into a conical shape. Use a strip of white chart paper and write ‘Hershey’s’ on it in blue. The first part of your two-part, last minute Halloween costume is done!

The main costume is a little harder. Bend the hangers into a straight shape and attach the ends to a hula hoop using lots of duct tape. Attach one of the wire hangers into a circular shape so it can fit on the top of your child’s body, and attach to the rest of the shape. Now, use foil to cover the wire shape you’ve created. There you have it, give your little one a big kiss!

Stranger Things Kids

This one’s pretty easy–and it’s certainly on-trend. All you need are your kids’ bikes, some 80’s style clothes, and a group of friends! If you’ve got time, a trip to the thrift store should sort you out. And for a little extra something, pull out the battery-powered multi-colored Christmas lights.

Minions

Best ideas for halloween costumes, last minute ideas for halloween costumes by nixplay digital photo frames

Source: www.fabeveryday.com

This kids’ Halloween costume is far from despicable! All you need is:

Yellow full sleeves hoodie
Denim Overalls
Thread pipe cleaners
Toilet paper roll
Black chart paper

Before you start, pull out the yellow hoodies and denim overalls.

Take the empty toilet paper roll, estimate an inch from both sides, and cut it off. Glue together the pieces you have cut off. If you have time, spray paint them silver. Then, cut a strip of the black chart paper, roughly the size of your child’s head. Staple the chart paper strip to the toilet roll spectales.

By this time, the kids have already put on their clothes (and have possibly guessed that this a last-minute Halloween costume attempt!) Cut the black thread pipe cleaners into small pieces and pull the bottoms through the cloth on the hoodie. Then, make the kids put on the spectacles you’ve made. Et voila, you have your little minions!

We love pictures! If you try any of the ideas above, or just fancy sharing photos of your ideas for kids’ Halloween costumes, share them with us. If you don’t already know about Nixplay digital photo frames, they allow you to share your trick-or-treat memories and other special events with your family. With just a few clicks, using your phone, social media or email, you can share your precious moments with loved ones using our Nixplay digital photo frames.

Beatrice Bisais

Bea is Nixplay’s Social Media Manager. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading about wars, and writing stories. Send her a message at beatrice.bisais@nixplay.com.

Top 5 Unforgettable Family holiday destinations this Summer

By Beatrice Bisais

On July 14, 2017

In Holidays

Unforgettable family holidays always come with the right destination. Families all over the world gave us their feedback and have recommended the following top 5 destinations.

Singapore

Why Singapore? At first glance it looks like a very small city with limited entertainment. But you’d be wrong. This metropolis is full of amazing family attractions, delicious food, a variety of different and diverse cultures and customs form all over Asia.

Top attraction is Universal Studios and it is perfect to take unforgettable family pictures with the Minions or other characters your kids, husband, wife like the most.

Another important point to note is that English is the common language which make things even easier.

vickyluminiq

Japan

Japan has a lot of benefits for a family. First of all it is safe and clean, their cuisine is very rich and tasty. Kid-friendly museums and public events are everywhere in Tokyo and many of them are very cheap or free for children. Japan has few castles and Himeji Castle the largest one and one of the most beautiful. It is a great opportunity to have fun while learning more about its legends and ghost stories.

The downside is that travelling in Japan can present challenges such as the language and narrow crowded streets. Nevertheless we will have very memorable with your children.

trexjapan

Thailand

For many reasons, Thailand is a great destination to go with children. You can visit Buddhist Temples, experience elephant riding, enjoy snorkeling in the ocean, … With new technology, cameras can take pictures underwater and it will be left with remarkable memories.

Thai people are very friendly and especially in regards to children. The cost of living is very affordable for a family which make it possible to do a lot of activities.

cg_sby

New Zealand

If your family is a big movie lover, you can visit The Lord of the Rings filming locations. It is very lovely to see their small and lovely houses. Your second step can be a whale and dolphin watching in Kaikoura. Snorkeling and seals are available over there too.

If you like outdoorsy staying, all over the country you can find kid-friendly camping sites. It is very nice for kids to experience a different Life style.

nickiluis

Australia

If you are looking for a very big Country, Australia is made for your family. There is always something for everyone: beaches, animal park, art and of course kangaroos. Spend the day at a wildlife park and we will see unique animals. Always great when you see what reaction your kids have.

mariioon_mrn

So many souvenirs that will make you smile when you look at your pictures on your digital photo frame Nixplay . Don’t only select 1 or 2 pictures. Choose all of them.

Beatrice Bisais

Bea is Nixplay’s Social Media Manager. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading about wars, and writing stories. Send her a message at beatrice.bisais@nixplay.com.

7 Incredible Easter Desserts

By Beatrice Bisais

On April 18, 2017

In Holidays

One of the best parts of Easter – like any other holiday, really – has to be the food. Whether or not your family celebrates with a big Easter dinner, we’d bet that everyone around your table will enjoy some special springtime desserts.

Try one of these recipes for an excellent addition to the chocolate bunnies and jelly beans that the Easter bunny brings. And don’t forget to snap some pictures of your beautiful creation to display on your Nixplay WiFi Cloud Digital Frame!

Lemon Cheesecake Morning Buns from Willow Bird Baking

via Willow Bird Baking

Nothing says springtime like the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon – and adding in cheesecake just makes everything even better.

While they’re called “morning buns,” they’ll be just as welcome on the dessert table. They’re light and fluffy, filled with tangy cream cheese filling and topped with a lemon glaze.

Mini Strawberry Tarts from Southern Living

via My Recipes

These pretty little tarts, with their bright red strawberries and white filling, will make for a beautiful presentation on your Easter table.

The recipe calls for pistachio pastry crust, which is no doubt delicious – but if you’re pressed for time, we bet you could use some pre-made mini pie crusts and no one would know the difference.

Carrot Cake with Salted Caramel-Cream Cheese Frosting from Betty Crocker

via Betty Crocker

If you need a decadent, impressive dessert to display when family and friends come over for Easter brunch, this carrot cake with salted caramel-cream cheese frosting is the one for you.

Four layers high and finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce, this cake is not only food photo-worthy, but also completely delicious. Perhaps the best part is that is uses a box of cake mix as the base, so it’s easier to put together than it looks.

Chocolate Zucchini Cakes from Southern Living

via My Recipes

There’s nothing like adding a vegetable to your dessert to make you feel less guilty about eating it (see: carrot cake!). The best part about these intense chocolate zucchini cakes is that you’ll never know there’s anything healthy in them.

These cakes are rich, moist, and chocolatey, and covered with an incredible sour cream fudge frosting. They’re perfect for those Easter guests who don’t buy into the idea that springtime desserts must be light and citrusy.

Bunny Cookie Pops from Bakerella

via Bakerella

If you’ve got children who will be joining you for Easter, why not make these adorable bunny cookie pops? Better yet, let the kids help!

For this recipe, you’ll need white and pink candy wafers, a bunny candy mold, M&Ms or other candies for decoration, Oreos, and lollipop sticks. They’re easy, fun to decorate, and a definite eye-catcher.

Simple Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies from SheKnows

via SheKnows

Who says sugar cookies are only for Christmastime?

Use either homemade or storebought sugar cookie dough, roll it out, cut out some bunny shapes, and pop them in the oven. Once they’re done and cooled, decorate them with icing, chocolate candies, jelly beans – whatever your (or your children’s) heart desires.

Homemade Peanut Butter Eggs from food.com

via Food.com

You don’t need to run to the store for a chocolate peanut butter egg fix. You can make your own right at home with just peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, milk, chocolate chips, and shortening.

Mix up the peanut butter filling by combining peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and milk and mold the resulting dough into egg shapes. Freeze the eggs for one hour. Then create your chocolate coating by melting the chocolate chips and shortening together, and dip your frozen eggs into the chocolate.

You can decorate them with sprinkles, candies, or royal icing.

Easter is a wonderful time to share delicious treats with friends. For more fun Easter ideas, check out our post “6 Fun Alternatives to Dyeing Easter Eggs.”

Beatrice Bisais

Bea is Nixplay’s Social Media Manager. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading about wars, and writing stories. Send her a message at beatrice.bisais@nixplay.com.

The Most Scenic – and Photogenic – Spots to Spend Spring Break This Year

By Beatrice Bisais

On February 28, 2017

In Holidays

It’s never too early to start planning your spring break vacation – especially if you’re an avid traveler or photographer.

Once you’re out of college, it’s not the party-heavy, crowded beach towns that tend to catch your fancy. Instead, spring break becomes a chance to relax, regroup, and get away from it all – preferably with some beautiful views of nature mixed in.

Here’s our pick for the most scenic and relaxing spots to spend your spring break this year.

Lisse, Holland

Holland is beautiful at any time of year, but the springtime is when you absolutely must visit. This is when you can see those iconic fields of brightly colored tulips stretching as far as the eye can see.

The Keukenof in Lisse is a world-famous garden and destination for travelers from around the world. It’s only open between March and May, so make sure you check the exact dates you want to travel to ensure you’ll be able to visit. And whether you take your photos on a DSLR camera or your smartphone, don’t run the risk of a dead battery. Those tulips make for some incredible photos.

The Grand Canyon, U.S.

Beat the summer crowds and see this awe-inspiring natural wonder in the spring, when daytime temperatures are pleasant and nights are cool (even cold).

Airfare and hotel rates should be a bit lower, and if you explore some of the areas around the Grand Canyon, you’ll see the beautiful desert flowers that appear seemingly overnight in an otherwise harsh landscape.

Washington, D.C.

If you haven’t seen D.C.’s cherry trees when they explode into pink clouds of blossoms each spring, then a trip to the country’s capital is in order.

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled around when the blossoms are expected to bloom, but it’s not an exact science, of course, so check to see if any changes have been made in the weeks before you go.

You’ll be in good company – more than 1 million people travel to D.C. each year for the festival – but we think it’s worth it to get a photo of you and the family surrounded by beautiful pink blossoms.

Vancouver

For a Canadian city, Vancouver in the springtime has surprisingly mild weather, with most days in the 50s (Fahrenheit, that is).

Spring in Vancouver is not only mild, it’s beautiful too, as the city’s many parks begin to come alive again with flowers and greenery. There are festivals galore to keep you entertained, and hotel rooms are reasonably priced, as high season isn’t until summer.

Kauai, Hawaii

Any season in Hawaii is beautiful to an almost otherworldly degree, but springtime can be exceptional. Kauai, particularly, is known for its breathtaking scenery: high green cliffs, huge tropical flowers, and the grand Waimea Canyon, which is like a tropical Grand Canyon.

No photograph can do justice to the scenery here, but you’ll be tempted to try your best. As you’ll be taking mostly nature shots here, you may want to consider a lightweight tripod. This will help you get those wide-angle, deep perspective images that are so ideal for nature photography.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If you’re a nature lover who can’t get all the way to Hawaii this spring, Jackson Hole is an excellent decision that’s a bit closer to home.

If you go in early March, you may still be able to hit the ski slopes that this town is known for – but if the snow isn’t cooperating, you’ve got plenty of hikes, canoe trips, and other outdoor excursions to take up your time.

It’s a lovely place for photographers, too. While you’re there, why not try snapping photos of the mountain scenery on horseback?

Spring is a wonderful time to travel, even though most of us schedule our vacations during the summer. Just make sure to share your photos with loved ones via the Nixplay app – it’s a great way to stay connected to family, no matter how far apart you may be.

Beatrice Bisais

Bea is Nixplay’s Social Media Manager. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading about wars, and writing stories. Send her a message at beatrice.bisais@nixplay.com.