Category: Holidays Page 7 of 13

Stories about the occasions that matter most.

How You Can Get Involved In International Women’s Day

On March 7, 2019

In the not-so-distant past, women were treated as second-class citizens. They were only expected to stay home and take care of the family. They were unable to vote, work in some industries, or even participate in sporting events.

Fortunately, we have come a long way since then, and International Women’s Day is held every year to celebrate the milestones and achievements that women have achieved through the decades.

However, the fight is not yet over. There’s still so much that can be done to improve the lives of women. The good news is that these need not be grand gestures—you can celebrate femininity and empower women in your own way. Read on:

Join an International Women’s Day event

Your city should have a few events that celebrate International Women’s Day. Gather your gal pals and join the fun! Who knows, it might just be one of the most enlightening and fun days of your life. Check out https://www.internationalwomensday.com/EventList to find an event near you!

Support a female entrepreneur

HTC. Spanx. Net-a-Porter. What do these brands have in common? They were all founded by women entrepreneurs: Taiwan-born Cher Wang is a co-founder of HTC, Shark Tank guest judge Sara Blakely started Spanx, and Dame Natalie Massenet founded Net-a-Porter and went on to change the world of luxury e-commerce. You don’t have to splurge, though! If you have female loved ones with their own businesses, you can simply make a purchase from them. It will go a long way!

Donate to an organization that supports women

There are lots of non-profit organizations that support women. Catalyst is dedicated to improving the progress of women in the workplace, while the Malala Fund, which was started by Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, champions young women’s right to be educated. Another alternative is to donate to your local women’s shelter.

Read books written by women authors.

Women usually offer an interesting perspective on things, and this is pretty evident in their literary work. Just look at the magical Wizarding universe that J.K. Rowling created, the dystopian reality that Margaret Atwood created for The Handmaid’s Tale, the gothic masterpiece that is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and the masterfully painted scenes in Virginia Woolf’s novels.

Do something nice for a woman you love.

Really, you don’t have to go far and wide to change the world this International Women’s Day. We’re all lucky to have amazing women in our lives—honor them by doing something that will make them smile. Be it a bouquet of flowers, a box of cookies, or even just a warm, tight hug, these little shows of support will go a long, long way.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with Nixplay! Get up to 25% off selected frames, only until March 10!

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.

4 Unique Ways to Make Your Date Feel Special on Valentine’s day

By Nixplay Team

On February 12, 2019

In Holidays

Valentine’s Day is the best day to show the person dearest to your heart how much you truly care for them. Romance is in the air, and it’s nearly impossible to resist the stores selling flowers, cards, and stuffed bears. Maybe your significant other has even dropped hints as to what they want to get on the 14th–in that case, your search for the perfect present just got way, way easier!

But Valentine’s Day shouldn’t have to be all about material gifts. Sure, presents are nice to receive, but there are many other ways to express your love. Here are other ways to spread romance!

Serve your lover breakfast in bed.

This is a simple way to make your loved one feel special. Rise early, cook some pancakes and bacon, chop up some fruits, and plate them artfully. Place it on a tray, add a small vase with flowers, and bring it to your loved one. Trust us, waking up to the delicious smell of bacon is the best way to jumpstart your day!

Take them on a surprise adventure.

If you’ve got some vacation leaves to spare, use one on the 15th to have an extra-long Valentine’s Day celebration! Whisk your lover to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit, be it a sunny beach or a cosmopolitan hotspot, and have an itinerary planned out. Only got one day? Make the most of it with a visit to your favorite amusement park or hiking trail.

Compile your most precious photos.

Rekindle your most precious memories this Valentine’s Day by compiling photos of your favorite moments! You can create a photo book of your most memorable photos, adding love notes, tickets, and other small artifacts collected throughout your relationship. Another option: Display your favorite photos on a Nixplay Frame! Set up a playlist just for Valentine’s Day and place it somewhere your lover will easily see.

Don’t have a Nixplay Frame yet? Take advantage of the ongoing Valentine’s Day Sale to get up to 25 percent off the Nixplay Iris!

Prepare their favorite food.

It’s said that the way to most people’s hearts is through their stomachs. Judging by the neverending flood of food photos, videos, and content on social media, this seems to be a universal truth. That said, make your date’s tummy happy on Valentine’s Day by preparing their favorite food! Just don’t forget to take into consideration their dietary preferences, and don’t serve anything they might be allergic to. Going to a restaurant may be par for the course on Valentine’s Day, but you have to admit that a home-cooked meal prepared with love will be more memorable.

Your Valentine’s Day 2019 Checklist

By Nixplay Team

On February 11, 2019

In Holidays

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us! Are you all set for the big V-Day? Granted, it can be extremely overwhelming—there are so many things to do, and just a few days to go.

Fear not: We’re here to get you revved up for romance. In fact, we made you a checklist to get you on track for Valentine’s Day. Read on and take note of what you should prepare for February 14!

__ Buy flowers.

Even if you’re defiantly anti-romance, you have to admit: Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without some lush blooms! Make sure you know your lady love’s favorite blossoms, and place an order for a bouquet a few days ahead. You better hurry, as flower shops tend to get overwhelmed with orders for the 14th.
If you’re a happy singleton: It wouldn’t hurt to have some flowers delivered to yourself, right? 😉 go on and get yourself a nice bouquet—you deserve it.

__ Secure dinner reservations.

As cliche as it may sound, wining and dining is a crucial part of Valentine’s Day. Make sure to choose the restaurant wisely: It doesn’t have to be at a Michelin-starred restaurant, though if this is what you fancy, then do go all out! The important thing is that the place you dine at holds significance to you and your significant other.
If you’re a happy singleton: Dining out alone or even with friends on Valentine’s Day—when it seems like everyone’s out on a date—can suck. The solution? Make a reservation for another day. You can go out on the 15th, or even the weekend after.

__ Get a date.

Of course, what’s a Valentine’s Day celebration without someone to spend it with? That’s what the day is all about, after all: A day you ought to celebrate with the person (or people) you love most. So make sure the love of your life knows quite clearly that you want to spend the day with them!
If you’re a happy singleton: Well, it’s not yet too late to look for a date! Download a dating app and start swiping, or sign up for a speed dating event. Maybe you might find The One—or at the very least, you’ll meet interesting new people! And if your friends offer to set you up with someone interesting, say yes! There’s no harm in expanding your horizons and going out of your comfort zone, relationship-wise.

__ Take pictures!

Now that you’ve got all the ingredients of a perfect Valentine’s Day celebration, don’t forget the most crucial thing: Photos of your day! You’re making so many memories on the 14th—you might as well document every precious milestone by snapping away. Display your photos on your Nixplay Frame, and take advantage of Nixplay’s Valentine’s Day sale to get up to 25 percent off the Nixplay Iris, only until February 14!

5 Date Ideas For Valentine’s Day

By Nixplay Team

On February 6, 2019

In Holidays

Valentine’s Day is coming up in a few days, and we’re beyond excited. We love celebrating love. To us, it’s not just a saccharine hallmark holiday, but an excuse to show those near and dear to us how much we appreciate their presence in our lives.

If you haven’t made any plans for V-day, fear not: We’re here to help. The best part is that you don’t have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentine’s Day. As long as you’re capable of loving, then you’ve got a reason to revel in romance. Here are some ~*date ideas*~ you can try with the people you love on the 14th.

With your significant other

For those in a happy relationship, a Valentine’s Day celebration wouldn’t be complete without a little fanfare. And while a fancy dinner, complete with wine, flowers, and sweets, is par for the course on the holiday, going the sentimental route wouldn’t hurt either!

Surprise your S.O. by recreating your first date. Book the same place, order the same food (or go for the dish you wish you tried), and play songs that speak to your hearts. Trust us—they’ll swoon.

With your parents

Your parents—your first loves—deserve all the best, especially on Valentine’s Day. Spoil them by serving their favorite breakfast in bed, and let them enjoy the day by doing their chores (or get someone to do it for them). You can also spoil them with a day at the spa for some well-deserved pampering. Don’t forget to surprise mom with a lush bouquet of her favorite flowers!

With your kids

Time goes by so fast these days, and before you know it, your kids will be all grown up and leaving the nest. Relish each moment you can spend with your little ones, and take every chance to create fond memories with them. Take them out to the park for a fun afternoon—prepare a picnic, bring a kite, and enjoy the sunshine. Don’t forget to take lots of photos to display on your Nixplay Frame—you can get the Nixplay Iris at 25 percent off, only until February 14!

With your best friends

Celebrate V-Day with your closest pals, the ones who have stood by your side through thick and thin! Plan a night in with your all-time favorite movies, food, and drinks (VERY important!), and spend the day reminiscing on the good old days. Got more cash to spare? Plan a trip to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit. Wouldn’t that be so much fun?

With yourself

You can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day without showing love to the person who needs it most: Yourself. You have to learn to love yourself, flaws and all, before you can love others. So go ahead and spoil yourself a little on the 14th: treat yourself to your favorite pastry, get that thing you’ve been eyeing for a long time, book a massage. Trust us: You totally deserve it.

19 New Year Resolutions For 2019

By Mars Salazar

On January 1, 2019

In Holidays

The new year is the perfect time to get rid of bad habits and start better ones. We’re sure you’ve made new year resolutions in the past, but were you able to keep them all?

Sometimes, the key is to start small. Focus on accomplishing realistic, achievable goals, and gradually work your way up. Start with these 19 resolutions.

1. Be kinder. Not just to others, but also to yourself.

2. Be smarter with your money. Instead of splurging on new clothes or treating yourself to fancy drinks every day, invest it in mutual funds or bonds, buy insurance, or use the cash to finance that short course you’ve always wanted to take. Speaking of courses you want to take…

3. Learn a new skill. Take painting lessons, enroll in a cooking course, maybe study how to code. It’s always great to invest in yourself, and it’s never too late to learn something new.

4. Be more understanding. We’re all going through our own struggles, and a little empathy in this day and age goes a long way.

5. Get more exercise. Walk more often. Take a yoga class with your friends. Go for a jog at the park. A little extra cardio never hurt anyone!

6. Read more. Aim to read at least one book each month. The books you choose should be relevant to your life and should help you become a better, wiser person. Make every word you read count.

7. Face your fears. The beauty of life lies in taking risks and leaping into the unknown. What’s the worst that could happen, anyway?

7. Lessen your sugar intake. It’ll do wonders for your health.

8. Go outside more often. Spend more time in the park near your apartment or the woods in your backyard. Go for a hike one weekend. Drive to the beach and bask in the sunshine. Enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature while you still can.

10. Go somewhere you have never been to. It doesn’t have to be an exotic foreign destination: You can simply visit a museum in town that just opened or drive to a town nearby. Stay curious and explore as much of the world as you could.

11. Be happy at your job. Or find a new job if you’re not happy where you are. And remember: A high salary doesn’t always guarantee that you’ll be fulfilled by what you’re doing.

12. Take better care of your skin. Wash your face every evening. Moisturize. And most importantly, use sunscreen daily—it helps keeps fine lines (and skin cancer) at bay.

13. Go for a checkup. Prevention is always better and cheaper than cure.

14. Reconnect with old friends. Give them a call if you’re in the area and set aside time for a quick catch-up.

15. Do volunteer work. Philanthropy will do wonders for your heart and soul.

16. Get more sleep.

17. Spend less time on your gadgets. The world’s too pretty to spend your days hunched down on your phone or computer.

18. Be more grateful and content.

19. Give your family a call every now and then. Better yet, share your milestones with each other using a Nixplay frame!

Happy new year, Nixplay family! Cheers to new beginnings and a brand new you! 🎉

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.