Category: Lifestyle Page 6 of 20

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

Keeping the Love Alive in the Age of Social Distancing

On June 23, 2020

These days, being in a romantic relationship when you’re not living in the same place as your partner can be difficult. But even if physical contact is discouraged, you shouldn’t abandon your romantic pursuits. Sure, staying connected is more challenging, but it’s all part of the fun. Here are some ways to keep the love alive despite the six-feet-minimum distance.

1. Say it via snail mail

In the age of email and instant messaging, snail mail is practically a relic of the past. But you have to admit, nothing compares to the thrill of receiving a handwritten letter via post. Send each other love letters, sweet notes about your day, drawings, and postcards–this can be the start of a romantic tradition that’s unique to you.

2. Have a virtual movie night

On a more modern note, you and your partner can have a virtual movie date within the comfort of your respective homes. Third-party applications such as Netflix Party and Watch2Gether let you watch Netflix shows, YouTube videos, and other content at the same time.

3. Talk on the phone

Remember the good old days, pre-emojis and social media, when you’d spend hours on the landline talking to your friends about schoolwork, your crushes, your favorite TV shows, and every little thing that held your interest back then? It’s the best time to bring it back. Use your phone’s minutes to whisper sweet nothings to your partner. Plus, you don’t have to worry about looking your best on camera the whole time.

4. Share photos via Nixplay Frames

We’re living in an interesting time that will undoubtedly go down in history, and you should document everything for posterity. Take photos of your activities, your day-to-day life, and the new normal around your neighborhood, and share them with your partner via Nixplay. It’s the easiest way to stay connected visually.

PS: We’re having a Secret Sale right now in our US Site! Get up to 25% off selected frames, only until July 12!

5. Have food delivered to each other

When you can’t go out for a proper dinner date, the next best thing to do is to recreate the experience of dining out at home. Mark special occasions by having your favorite restaurant deliver your favorite dishes to you and your partner’s respective homes, setting up a video call, and eating your meal while enjoying the conversation. Take it up a notch by dressing up and decorating your background, and uncork a bottle of wine to up the romance.

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.

7 Family-Friendly Games You Should Play Right Now

By Mars Salazar

On June 22, 2020

In Lifestyle

With all the time we’re spending at home, now’s the perfect opportunity to brush up on your games. Whether you’re on the search for a quick game to pass the time or an immersive simulation, you’ll have a fun time with these picks:

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Platform: Nintendo Switch

The timing of the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons could not be better: with most folks staying at home due to a global pandemic, the game offered a welcome relief from real-world stress. Players have spent dozens of hours on the game beautifying their islands, collecting rare items and creatures, and getting the best animal villagers–and it’s about time you join in the fun.

2. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, Macintosh operating systems, Linux

If world domination has always been one of your life’s goals, this game is for you. In this turn-based strategy game, you will be tasked to turn your early settlement into a world power by founding new cities, amassing a formidable army, engaging in trade and diplomacy, and discovering new technology. There are also game expansions available should you require a more difficult challenge.

3. Overcooked!

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Imagine: You and your friends preparing a range of dishes and serving them to customers. Oh, and parts of the kitchen are moving or disappearing, your customers are getting impatient, you’ve run out of clean dishes, and whatever was on the stove is now on fire. That’s normal in Overcooked, the most chaotic cooking game this side of the Onion Kingdom. It’s up to you and your family to work together to become the best cooking team the game has ever seen.

4. Minecraft Dungeons

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

The latest Minecraft game will have you exploring several dungeons with monsters, puzzles, traps, and treasures. Use whichever armor and weapon you want to accomplish your goals. The gameplay is simple enough and the graphics are charming, making this a great multiplayer pick for kids.

5. Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Sword and Shield is the latest addition to the ever-expanding Pokemon world, introducing 81 new creatures to catch and train. Set in the Galar region (a place inspired by the United Kingdom), its new features include “Dynamaxing” and “Gigantamaxing”, which make Pokemon grow to a tremendous size; and Poke Jobs, which allow Pokemon to complete requests to gain experience points or special items. It’s definitely not the Pokemon game you grew up with–and that’s a good thing.

6. NBA 2K20

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Google Stadia, Microsoft Windows

Basketball fans shouldn’t miss NBA 2K20, which lets you go on the court with real-life and customized players and teams. There are several gameplay options, meaning you’ll never get bored: You can play using your favorite NBA team, create an all-star team with your favorite players, control a single character in MyCareer mode, or face other players online. It’ll take some time to get used to the technicality of NBA 2K20, but don’t let the challenge deter you: As they say, this is why we play.

7. Just Dance 2020

Platforms: Wii, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Google Stadia

Just Dance is one of the most fun ways to burn calories. The premise is simple enough: you’ll just need to copy the on-screen dancer’s choreography using your controller to rack up points. Before you know it, you’d have spent a couple of hours dancing in front of your screen. Now, if you’re a bit uncoordinated, the more complicated tracks might prove challenging. But that’s what makes it more fun, don’t you think?

Don’t forget to take pictures of the fun times you’ll have with your family while gaming! Display them on a Nixplay Smart Photo Frame so you’ll have new moments of the past few months to keep close to your heart.

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.

9 Songs That Beautifully Capture Fatherhood

By Mars Salazar

On June 19, 2020

In Lifestyle

Want to give your father a heartwarming surprise on Father’s Day? You can curate a playlist for him with his favorite songs, interspersed with songs about the joys of fatherhood. It’ll be the perfect soundtrack for the Father’s Day activities you’ve planned with the rest of the family. Here are some songs you can add!

“Just The Two Of Us” by Will Smith

Memorable Lyrics:

I know I loved you more than life itself
Then to my knees, and I begged the Lord, please
Let me be a good daddy, all he needs
Love, knowledge, discipline too
I pledge my life to you

“Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon

Memorable Lyrics:

I’m gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you always know
As long as one and one is two
Ooh ooh
There could never be a father
Love his daughter more than I love you

“I Learned From You” by Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus

Memorable Lyrics:

I learned from you that I do not crumble
I learned that strength is something you choose
All of the reasons to keep on believin’
There’s no question, that’s a lesson
I learned from you

“Right By You (for Luna)” by John Legend

Memorabe Lyrics:

And even when it all becomes too much
When you’re growing old and feeling out of touch
Ooh, listen to this song and just take care
And know that I will be there

“Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle

Memorable Lyrics:

Oh, with all that I’ve done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning
And butterfly kisses at night

“Daddy” by Beyonce

Memorable Lyrics:

No matter what mistakes I make you’re there for me
You cure my disappointments and you heal my pain
You understood my biz and you protected me
I treasure every irreplaceable memory

“Danny’s Song” by Loggins and Messina

Memorable Lyrics:

Pisces, Virgo rising
Is a very good sign
Strong and kind
And the little boy is mine
But, now I see a family
Where once was none

“Papa Can You Hear Me?” by Barbra Streisand

Memorable lyrics:

I remember ev’rything you thought me
Ev’ry book I’ve ever read
Can all the words in all the books
Help me to face what lies ahead?

“Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross

Memorable lyrics:

Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me
And then
Spin me around ’till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure
I was loved

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 Skills That Can Earn You Serious Cash

By Mars Salazar

On June 18, 2020

In Lifestyle

In order to thrive and survive in today’s fast-paced, cutthroat corporate world, learning new skills is just as important as improving your existing ones. The good news is that there are several business skills that can give your resume a boost and open new opportunities for you to generate more income. By allotting the time and effort to learn these skills, you can easily gain an edge over your counterparts.

Languages

Being fluent in another language can open the door to many opportunities. You can find full-time and part-time work as a translator or as a bilingual customer service agent–roles that can keep your language skills polished while paying you well.

Computer Programming

In the age of the internet, knowing a programming language like JavaScript or Python is a handy skill. The good news is that several programming resources are available on the internet, perfect for mastering the basics. When you’re more confident in your skills, invest in classes that offer certifications, which you can add to your resume to give it a boost.

Agriculture

If you have enough land, you can explore opportunities in agriculture. Growing your own plants is an essential skill that can save you lots of money and make you more cash in the process. You can focus on organic fruits and vegetables, which can command premium prices. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can try reselling herbs and ornamental plants in nice vases. It’s not easy money, but it’s definitely fulfilling.

Photo Organization

You probably have several photo albums and boxes at home filled with snapshots from times gone by. Have you ever thought about sorting the images, scanning them, and creating digital backups of your family’s memories? More importantly, have you considered doing this for others? By being a photo organizer, you can help people manage their printed and digital photo collections and tell their stories in the best way. The Photo Managers offers a certification course to get you started on this path.

Graphic Design

Artistic folks can monetize their talent by dabbling in graphic design. Mastery of essential design programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign can land you full-time or freelance work in several industries. There are several resources available online, both free and paid.

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 Good Habits You Could Easily Start Today

By Mars Salazar

On June 15, 2020

In Lifestyle

Do you still remember the resolutions you made at the beginning of the year? If you’ve totally forgotten about them, we don’t blame you one bit, given the way 2020 has rolled by so far. Still, it’s not yet too late to turn over a new leaf! There’s always room for improvement and more than enough time to develop new habits. You can start with these:

1. Make Healthier Food Choices

As the saying goes, you are what you eat…and you probably don’t want to be a bag of high-sodium chips or a pack of instant noodles. The solution: Eat more fruits and vegetables, go for white meat instead of red, avoid processed and microwaveable food. Experiment with different recipes and find ways to make eating healthier a happy experience. Your body will thank you in the future.

2. Exercise Regularly

The most difficult thing about exercising is actually getting on the fitness wagon. The first few days (or weeks) of a new exercise routine are always the most painful, but you have to dig in and push yourself. You can make it an easier experience by doing workouts that you enjoy. Yoga and pilates are great options for improving your flexibility, while running helps a lot in releasing tension and stress. If you’re a competitive sort, you can try your hand at racquet sports like badminton or table tennis.

3. Stay grateful

No matter how crazy the world gets, never forget that you will always have so many things to be thankful for. Nurture a grateful mindset by keeping a gratitude journal. List down all the things you’re thankful for each day–you’ll always have something to write about, no matter how uneventful your day might have been–and try to pay it forward in any way you can.

4. Keep Your Surroundings Organized

While decluttering can be tedious, it’s actually the day-to-day organization that will really test your mettle. Get into the habit of cleaning up as you go, wherever you may be. Make sure that there’s adequate storage for all your belongings. Life will be so easy once you get into this habit.

5. Limit Your Screen Time

If you’re working from home, you’re probably in front of either your computer or your phone screen all day long. That’s not good for your eyes, nor would it improve your productivity. You can try various productivity techniques, such as the Pomodoro method, to focus on your tasks and minimize distractions. You can also impose a “hard stop” time on your devices so your work doesn’t overlap with your personal 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.