Category: Lifestyle Page 5 of 20

Stories about food, fashion, travel, and other topics relevant to our readers’ interests.

10 Quotes That Perfectly Describe Your Bond With Your Best Friends

On July 21, 2020

There are few things in life that are more precious than loyal friends–the ones who will pick you up during your low moments, lift you even higher during your victories, and stay by your side through thick and thin. If you’re lucky enough to have one (or several) of these one-of-a-kind folks in your life, let them know how much they mean to you with these sweet quotes about friendship.

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.” – Muhammad Ali

“Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” – Woodrow Wilson

“Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.” – Misty Copeland

“A friend is someone who helps you up when you’re down, and if they can’t, they lay down beside you and listen.” – Winnie The Pooh

“Friendship is not about whom you know the longest. It is about who came and never left.” – Paulo Coelho

“A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.” – Charles Darwin

“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey

“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.” – Linda Grayson

“There are three things that grow more precious with age: old wood to burn, old books to read, and old friends to enjoy.” – Henry Ford

Here at Nixplay, we recognize how important these bonds are. Celebrate International Friendship Day with us and get up to 25% off selected frames, only for a limited 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 Fun Journal Prompts For The Summer

By Mars Salazar

On July 10, 2020

In Lifestyle

With so many summer plans put on hold, it’s easy to think that this is the worst time to keep a journal. What could you write about when there’s nothing going on?

On the contrary, this time of introspection is the perfect opportunity to dig deep and flesh out some new journal entries. There are several topics that you can jot down–here are a few to get your started.

List the places you’d like to visit.

Since non-essential travel is still discouraged, most of us are stuck at home, wishing we could hop on a plane and fly somewhere, anywhere. But while this isn’t possible yet, why don’t you list down the exotic destinations you’d visit immediately the moment you get the chance to do so? Take it one step further by detailing the sights you’d like to visit, the restaurants you want to dine at, and the experiences you want to try. And when things go back to normal, make sure to turn these dreams into reality!

Draw the food you ate today.

Here’s a simple way to flex your creative muscles: keep track of the food you eat every day via illustrations! Draw the overnight oats you had for breakfast and the pasta you had for lunch in your own style, using whichever medium you want. It’s a great way to add color to your journal while keeping your artistic skills up to par.

Create a bucket list for the month.

Being cooped up at home shouldn’t be an excuse to be unproductive. Make a list of the things you’d like to achieve each month–bake the perfect chocolate chip cookies, finish an online course, clean your closet. Aim as high as you want, as long as you abide by the imposed health and safety regulations. And remember: no dream is too small!

Write down the things you’re grateful for.

Another easy journal prompt is to list down the things you’re thankful for. Even if the world’s going a bit crazy at the moment, there’s still a lot of good to go around. We’re not expecting big, grand things here–this exercise is about finding the little things in life that are worth living for and being thankful for. Whether it’s an online delivery that arrived earlier than expected, a moved deadline, or a colorful butterfly that found its way into your garden, there’ll always be plenty to smile about.

Stick on printed photos of your day-to-day activities.

Your day-to-day is only as mundane as you declare it to be. Just like photography, it’s all about the framing. With the right mindset and the right outlook, you can find plenty of things worth journaling about. Take it up a notch by taking photos of your daily routine–a nicely plated meal, a pre-video call selfie, your cats climbing around your living room, your families’ smiles. These are little reminders that even though life is a bit dreary at the moment, there are still lots of things worth smiling about.

Print these photos out and stick them onto your journal, or better yet, display them on a Nixplay Frame! Get up to 25% off selected Frames with our Secret Sale, only until July 19!

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.

Quick and Easy Dessert Ideas You Should Try This Summer

By Mars Salazar

On July 6, 2020

In Lifestyle

Sometimes, you just want to cap off your meal with a sweet treat. Sadly, most desserts require elaborate recipes that take forever to make. So we rounded up four quick and satisfying recipes you can make at home any time you want. Enjoy!

If you have 5 minutes: Microwaved Cereal Crispies

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon butter
½ cup cereal of your choice
4 large marshmallows

Directions:
Place the marshmallows and the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or mug. Microwave it for around 20 to 30 seconds, or until the butter has melted and the marshmallows have puffed up. Stir the marshmallows, slowly adding in the cereal.

If you have 10 minutes: Chocolate-Covered Oreos

Ingredients:

1 Pack of Oreos
1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted
2 teaspoons coconut oil
¼ cup white chocolate chips, melted (optional)

Directions:
Stir together the melted semisweet chocolate and the coconut oil (which serves to thin the chocolate and makes it easier to dip the chocolate). Dip each Oreo in the melted chocolate, then place the dipped chocolates on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Place the baking sheet in the fridge to set the chocolate. If you have a little more time, you can take out the Oreos after 10 minutes and drizzle melted white chocolate on top. Return it to the refrigerator.

If you have 15 minutes: Nutella Pops

Ingredients:

¼ cup Nutella
½ cup milk
1 cup whipped cream

Directions:
Whisk together the Nutella, milk, and whipped cream, then pour the mixture into paper cups. Cover each cup with foil and slice a small slit in the middle, then insert a wooden popsicle stick in the slit. Place the pops in the freezer to set.

If you have 30 minutes: Slow Cooker Cheesecake

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons melted butter
¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup of sugar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 large eggs
2 8-oz. blocks cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:
Grease a 6” springform pan and wrap it tightly with foil. Pour an inch of water into a 6-quart slow cooker, then place a coil of foil in the water. The coil will serve as a rack for the pan. To make the crust, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Press the mixture into the greased pan. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese using a mixer, slowly adding ½ cup sugar until fluffy. Add in the eggs, sour cream, flour, vanilla, and remaining ¼ salt. Pour the filling over the crust, then place the pan on top of the foil coil in the slow cooker. Place 3-4 paper towel sheets on the opening of the slow cooker to absorb the moisture, then put on the lid. Cook the cheesecake on high heat for 2 hours, then turn off the heat and let it stand for 1 hour. After cooking, remove the cheesecake from the slow cooker and place it in the refrigerator until chilled.

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.

How To Have The Best Summer Ever In The New Normal

By Mars Salazar

On June 30, 2020

In Lifestyle

The summer of 2020 will go down in history as an unforgettable one…and not really for a good reason. With people hesitant to leave their homes and social gatherings frowned upon, it’s safe to say that a lot of the summer activities we enjoy will get canceled or postponed. It’s a sad thought, but we couldn’t afford to take risks right now.

In the meantime, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of the next few months. Here are some suggestions:

Go to a secluded beach

Please avoid going to popular beaches, no matter how beautiful they are. They will most likely be crowded, and you don’t want to gamble your health in exchange for some sun, sand, and surf.

However, if you know of a secluded beach in your area that doesn’t get a lot of visitors, you can definitely go there as long as you follow stringent social distancing measures. Try to go during off-peak times to minimize the chances of sharing the area with other people.

Have a pool party at home

Don’t have a beach nearby? Replicate the experience in your own backyard! Having a swimming pool is the best scenario right now, but an inflatable pool works in a pinch as long as you’ve got the space for it. Bring out your favorite swimsuit, put on your sunglasses, and enjoy your homemade waves as you bask in your makeshift tropical paradise.

Create Your Favorite Summer Drinks

There are few things in life as refreshing as a watermelon shake or a cold lemonade on a sweltering afternoon, don’t you agree? If you want a more grown-up version, you can try your hand at margaritas, mai tais, and mojitos–all classic cocktails that, for some reason, seem to taste even better during summer.

Whatever your preferred beverage is, one thing’s for sure: Summer would be incomplete without sipping at least one ice-cold drink, preferably with a cocktail umbrella.

Get a tan in your backyard

Nothing says “summer” quite like a gorgeous tan. Don’t let the pandemic get in the way of your bronzed dreams. Take out your beach towel (a yoga mat can also suffice), spread it out in your backyard, and soak in the rays while reading a fun book. Don’t forget to apply (and re-apply) sunscreen: the goal is sunkissed, not sun-damaged!

Send summer-themed postcards to your loved ones

Do your loved ones live far away? Make your summer more interesting with snail mail. Send them summer-themed postcards with sweet messages just to say that you wish they were with you. It’s a simple, thoughtful sentiment guaranteed to brighten up their day.

Create a summer photo playlist

Reminisce about carefree sun-soaked days gone by with a summer-themed photo playlist. Add your favorite photos and videos from past summers to create a nice slideshow that you can view when you need a quick pick-me-up. If you have a Nixplay Frame, you can even ask your friends and family to collaborate with you on a playlist by sharing their own photos. This way, you can all reminisce about the good old days.

Don’t have a Nixplay Frame yet? Now’s your chance to get one: We’re having a major Summer Sale on our UK and Germany sites. This is your chance to enjoy huge discounts on our bestselling frames, so don’t miss this!

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.

The Best Productivity Apps You Should Be Using Right Now

By Mars Salazar

On June 26, 2020

In Lifestyle

Hundreds of books have been written about the importance of productivity: How you need to work smarter, not harder; how you need to make every second count; how to keep improving every day.

But there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity. Some methods that may work for you may not work for your friends, and that’s fine. That’s why we’ve listed a few apps that can help you achieve your productivity goals, no matter your working style.

Hootsuite

Juggling several social media accounts? Why not use Hootsuite to manage them all from one dashboard? This game-changer lets you update your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn accounts from the same screen, saving your time and energy. It also lets you schedule your content in advance, making it the perfect tool for your influencer aspirations. And you don’t have to worry about logging into each platform every time and remembering your passwords. Speaking of passwords…

LastPass

If you’re always forgetting your passwords (and we’re probably all guilty of that), then LastPass might just be your new best friend. It’s a password management tool that generates secure passwords for all your accounts and keeps track of them in a vault which you can access using a master password–the only code you should remember. If you want to improve your digital security, LastPass is for you.

Toggl

One measure of productivity is the time spent working on a project. This is where Toggl comes in. This time tracker gives you a breakdown of the hours or minutes spend on a task, giving you the opportunity to adjust the way you work in order to become more efficient. It’s especially useful for freelancers and project-based employees who bill clients by the hour.

Evernote

Evernote is one of the best note-taking apps out there. It lets you keep track of your ideas easily by typing lists, adding photos, sketching doodles, or uploading PDFs. It’s smart, too: if you’re looking for a particular idea you had about, say, blueberries, Evernote will scan through all your notes–including the drawings and images–to give you what you’re looking for. And if you’re working with a group, you can use the app to share notes and collaborate easily.

Stayfocusd

It’s so easy to get caught in distractions when you’re supposed to be working on a spreadsheet, creating a presentation, or typing a paper. Enter Stayfocusd. This Google Chrome browser extension, when enabled, blocks websites that can pose a distraction while you’re trying to work. You can also set a schedule so it’s automatically enabled during your work hours, and set time limits for your social media fix.

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.