Category: Holidays Page 3 of 13

Stories about the occasions that matter most.

how to look photo-ready for st patricks day

How to Look Photo-Ready for St. Patrick’s Day and Beyond

Looking picture-perfect is a goal many strive for. This is especially true on holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, where office parties and parades are abundant and pictures are captured to commemorate the events. If you’re worried about your celebrations not being photogenic enough, now is the perfect time to set yourself up for success on St. Patrick’s Day and beyond. Make sure you’re photo-ready for whatever event is thrown your way with these tips and tricks!

Let your outfit take center stage in photos

You wouldn’t want to look back on your photos from St. Patrick’s Day and only be able to notice that ketchup stain on your shirt. You will want to make sure your outfit is picked out and planned beforehand to avoid having to rush while getting ready. You also will want to make sure the outfit blends in at whatever activity you’re going to. You don’t want to be the only one dressed up as a leprechaun at your office party, nor would you like to be the only one not wearing green to the bar. Ask around and see if what your co-workers or friends are wearing aligns with your planned outfit for the day.

This advice actually goes beyond just St. Patrick’s Day. Make sure to plan your outfit accordingly for all the events and parties you attend. Just like wearing a color other than green on St. Patrick’s Day, you do not want to be the only one besides the bride wearing white to your friend’s wedding.

Picking out the outfit beforehand will not only save you some time getting ready on the day of the event, but it will also give you some peace of mind that what you’re wearing will be appropriate for the big day. This will let you focus on socializing with friends or co-workers, and not on your shirt being inside out. It will also help you show off your confidence in photos!

Strike a pose

It’s normal to feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, especially when you’re lacking in confidence. Try planning out what pictures you want to snap for the night and how to best pose for them! For group photos, try thinking about where you’ll want to position yourself. You don’t want to be the shortest of the group and get stuck behind your tallest friend at the last second. Being prepared for whatever picture may be captured can also help give you a confidence boost. Plus, a great pose can highlight your body’s best features and minimize the parts you aren’t too confident about.

It’s important that you do some research beforehand (even if your ‘research’ is just practicing poses in the mirror) to see what feels most natural and shows off your figure in the best light. Check out some of these tips to see how you should be posing for pictures!

Get a good night’s sleep and show off your energetic side

Once again, you wouldn’t want to look back on your pictures and only be able to focus on the dark circles under your eyes. Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep every night to feel their best. This is especially important on days like St. Patrick’s Day, when bar hopping and staying out late is common for many. Make sure you’re getting in enough z’s before any big event to ensure you’re looking well-rested in photos!

Getting a good night’s rest before an eventful day like St. Patrick’s Day will be a life-saver, and this will show in the pictures you capture too.

Make sure your skin is glowing and photo-ready

While most photos won’t show every blemish and imperfection on your skin, making sure you’ve maintained a consistent skincare routine will help your skin have a youthful and glowing appearance in photos. The first step to achieving this is to know your skin type. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, a heavy moisturizer may not be the best idea. Do some digging to find out what type of products work best with your skin type. If you’re not exactly sure what category you fit into, be sure to check out this guide.

Next, you’ll want to find the best products for you. Pay attention to how your skin reacts to certain products and watch out for signs of irritation such as bumps or rashes. What may seem like a good product may actually leave your skin looking red and irritated in pictures with friends.

Men should also mind their skincare. If your skin is on the sensitive side, make sure to grab a skin-protecting shaving kit that will give you a clean shave without razor bumps and cuts. This will help you look and feel your best when the camera flash goes off!

Show off your smile

Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to make sure your teeth are taken care of before the big day. Often, the first thing anyone notices in a picture is their smile. The last thing you would want to notice after the camera flashes is a piece of food stuck in your teeth. Make sure your teeth are brushed and flossed just before you leave for your big plans so you can show off that smile. Whitening your teeth doesn’t have to be expensive and time-consuming! If you really want to go the extra mile and achieve a whiter smile, there are lots of simple home remedies that will do the trick. It’s never a bad thing to have the brightest and biggest smile in the room when you ‘say cheese’ before the picture is snapped.

Once the photos are taken and St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone, make sure you can always look back on them with a Nixplay digital frame. Thinking back on those memories with a smile will be the icing on the cake! We hope these tips will help you prepare for your St. Patrick’s Day parties and beyond!

chinese new year year of the rat

Here’s What The Year of the Rat Holds In Store For You

On January 25, the world will celebrate Chinese New Year (or the Lunar New Year, as some prefer to call it). This important event takes place on the new moon that appears between January 21 and February 20, and is regarded as a time to honor ancestors, reunite with families, and make way for incoming luck. 

The Chinese New Year is also associated with the 12 animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac, with each animal representing a year in a 12-year cycle. 2020 is the year of the Rat, meaning people who were born in this year are smart, charming, quick-witted, and especially lucky. But regardless of your sign, you too can make your dreams come true this lunar new year as long as you work hard and play your cards right. Read your horoscope below to see how lucky you’ll be!

The Chinese New Year is also a great visual spectacle, with plenty of picture-perfect traditions you can take part in. Take lots of photos, and display them on a Nixplay Frame so you can look back at your lunar new year memories! Take advantage of Nixplay’s Clearance Sale and get up to 25% off, only for a limited time!

Whether or not you’re celebrating Chinese New Year, remember this: At the end of the day, your fortune will depend solely on you. Don’t let the stars (or the moon) dictate your future, and make your own luck!

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 New Year’s Resolutions For 2020

5 New Year’s Resolutions For 2020

The dawn of a new year heralds a new opportunity to revamp your life. 2020 is extra special because it’s not just a new year, but a new decade. Make it your best one yet with these simple resolutions:

Mind Your Spending

It’s hard to resist the call of the Sale sign, but really, do you need another bag or another pair of shoes? (You probably don’t). This year, make it a habit to track your spending to avoid needless purchases. Download a spending tracker and religiously record all your expenses and income. When all your expenses are on record, it would be easier for you to resist the temptation to buy things impulsively.

Pay Attention To Your Health

You can make more money, but you only have one life to live–and you’ve got to make sure that it’s one well lived. Don’t neglect your health: be mindful of what you’re eating, make sure to exercise, and don’t stress over the small stuff. Remember: you may have all the money in the world, but you can’t take even a single cent with you to the grave.

Treasure Your Loved Ones

If you’ve had a loved one pass away, you’ve probably wished you’ve told them just how much they meant to you before it became too late. That’s why you should make it a point to make your nearest and dearest feel loved. You don’t need grand gestures: Even simple things, like calling your parents every few days and saying “I love you” to your family every day, go a long way.

Enjoy The Little Things

With everything going on in the world, it’s never been more important to take care of yourself. Set aside time each day to relax and thank the universe for all your blessings. Put on a face mask, pour yourself a glass of wine, dive into your favorite Netflix series, or catch up on sleep. You’ll thank yourself later.

Take More Pictures

Life is short, so capture every moment! Don’t be shy to take out your camera to snap pictures of events both memorable and mundane. This way, you’ll have lots of memories to look back at in the future.

One more thing: Don’t let your photos remain hidden in your hard drive. After all, what’s the use of taking pictures when you won’t even look at them? Display your photos on a Nixplay Frame so you can enjoy them at all times. Take advantage of our New Year Sale to get the frame you’ve been eyeing at an irresistible price!

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 Songs For Your Christmas Playlist

5 Songs For Your Christmas Playlist

Your Christmas tree is up, the lights are brightening up your home, and every other decoration is out. However, there’s one last thing you need to host your Christmas parties and gatherings, and that’s the perfect Christmas playlist. Here are some songs you can add to your playlist!

Christmas Songs For Your Holiday Playlist

“All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey

One of the most well-known holiday songs of all time, Mariah Carey–the modern queen of Christmas–continues to top the list of top Christmas songs with this hit. It really resonates with everyone because as we get older, we realize that Christmas isn’t about the number of gifts under the tree, but the amount of love you receive. This song’s lyrics are tailored to those who simply want to be with someone this holiday season, and that’s why it deserces to be on every Christmas playlist.

“It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year” – Andy Williams

Christmas time really is the most wonderful time of the year, and this classic Christmas song will keep your holiday spirits high and remind you of how wonderful and beautiful this time of year is. From caroling in the snow to parties with your family, there’s so much to be grateful for.

“Last Christmas” – Wham!

It’s the holiday song for the heartbroken, with its vintage synths and wistful whispers. But this song’s catchy melody makes it one of the best Christmas songs that everyone–regardless of your heart’s state–can sing in karaoke (or in the shower). Fun fact: It was released in 1984, but believe it or not, it didn’t top the charts until 2017!

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” – Jackson 5

Almost every artist has a version of this song, but Michael and the gang’s rendition is the catchiest, and grooviest of them all. Creepy lyrics aside (“he sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake”), it’s a great reminder for kids and kids are heart to be good all year round.

“Happy Xmas (War is Over)” – John Lennon and Yoko Ono

Protests aren’t always won through violence–sometimes, a bit of holiday cheer really helps to make the message resonate. “War is over,” sing a choir of children in this Lennon classic, but only, they add, “If you want it.” With all the chaos happening around the world, a bit of peace is certainly the best Christmas gift.

Now that your holiday playlist is ready, it’s time to party! Don’t forget to capture your celebrations’ best moments, and display them on a Nixplay Frame. Take advantage of our Christmas Sale and get up to 30% off on our bestselling frames, only until December 16!

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.

Festive Christmas Card Ideas

Unique Family Christmas Card Ideas

Sick of the same old Christmas photo ideas? Need some fresh inspiration on how to make a fun holiday card to send out to family and friends? This year, getting in the holiday spirit is especially important. So check out our list of Christmas card ideas for some festive inspiration and spread the holiday cheer with a unique family Christmas card.

Family Christmas Photo Ideas

Need some festive inspiration for your family Christmas card ideas this year? Check out some of our unique holiday card ideas to help you take a family Christmas photo to remember:

Christmas Family Picture Ideas

The festive fireplace

Let’s start with a traditional Christmas card idea. Set yourselves up in front of a cozy fireplace adorned with your family’s holiday stockings, or settle down by the Christmas tree surrounded by wrapped presents for the ultimate festive backdrop.

Santa’s little helper

Got a newborn baby or toddler? For a homemade solution without the cost of a professional studio and photographer, take a roll of your favorite gift wrap and tape some to the wall and along the floor as a festive backdrop. Et voila! You have your own mini studio for your little one. This trick also works well with your furry friends—just mind their claws on the gift wrap!

You could even go one step further and pose your little one in a stocking—try positioning them on the floor, propped up with festive pillows if they need support.

Family fun

Set up your camera on self timer to capture you and your family as you decorate the tree. For a truly festive family Christmas photo, photograph the youngest of your clan being lifted to the top of the tree to add the Christmas topper. Candid, natural moments usually make for the best photos, and this one’s no exception.

Seasonal skating

How are you on a pair of ice skates? For this unique family Christmas card idea, head to your local ice rink to capture some great shots.

Top tip: Make sure you go when it’s not too busy so you can have a nice clean background for your pictures!

Festive baking

What’s better than Christmas family picture ideas that involve tasty treats? Get the family baking a batch of delicious chocolate chip cookies or gingerbread men whilst someone stands by and photographs the process. It might get a little messy, but it’ll be worth it

Santa’s grotto

Make a den in the living room using bedsheets and blankets. Liven it up with your favorite Christmas decorations and LOTS of fairy lights – a cozy, festive backdrop for a lovely family Christmas photo!

Christmas tree forest

Got a toddler? Head to the local tree farm with your camera and let them wander around. There will be plenty of precious moments to capture as they venture through the trees.

Top tip: Time it right and catch the golden hour light just before sunset for a beautifully lit family Christmas photo.

Letter to Santa

Have your kids write a letter to Santa and snap a shot of them writing and reading it before they send it off. It’ll allow them to practice their spelling and writing skills, and offer a selection of great Christmas card photo ideas.

DIY festive photo effects

Grab your favorite Christmas wreath and pull it up to the camera lens to add a festive frame to your family Christmas photo. This idea will work with a ring of fairy lights too.

And whatever you do, don’t forget to include the family pet—because Santa Paws is coming to town too!

Fun Family Christmas Photo Ideas

Christmas Card Ideas and Props

But wait… there’s more! If you can’t play around with the backdrop, another way to add a festive touch to your family Christmas photos is to use props. To complement our Christmas family picture ideas, we suggest:

  • Fairy lights. Obviously! The perfect addition to any family Christmas photo shoot. Whether you opt for yellow, white, or colored lights, they add a great ambiance and effect to any festive photo.
  • Christmas jumpers. For simple yet effective family Christmas photo ideas. And if you want to go a little bit further, get everyone to wear matching holiday jumpers.
  • ALL the Christmas decorations. From baubles and ornaments to tinsel and garlands, feel free to go all out! Go one step further and get personalized stockings and decorations to add a homely touch to your unique family Christmas card ideas. You can even use candy canes to decorate–just make sure they’re in mint condition first.
  • Christmas presents. If you’re taking these pictures well in advance for the Christmas cards you’ll send out, you may not have your gifts all sorted yet. Create faux presents by wrapping up any spare packing boxes or shoeboxes and finish them off with ribbons and labels.

Unique Family Christmas Card Ideas for your Nixplay Frame

Go the extra mile and record a live family Christmas card for your family. Whether you put together a compilation of festive messages from family members all over, or you all get together to film a message as a group, a digital Christmas card like this is bound to impress. And if your family members own a Nixplay Smart Frame, you can send the homemade clip straight to them using Wi-Fi technology! It’s the best way to stay close to your loved ones this holiday season.

Show off your Family Christmas Photos with a Nixplay Frame

While your family members and friends can hang up your cards or display them on the mantelpiece, you’ll probably come across a few photos that you’ll want to keep for yourself. Using a Nixplay digital photo frame, you can display all of your family Christmas photos in one place with ease. Let it stand out and mount it on the wall so everyone can see your snaps, or stand it above the fireplace as a feature piece. The Hu-Motion sensor will pick up when someone is walking by, turning your Smart Frame on and off automatically. And you can control everything from the comfort of your own phone with the Nixplay App. Browse the range online today and stay close this Christmas.

Happy holidays, from Nixplay.

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