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Meet a Super Mom: Emily Nolan

On May 9, 2019

This May, Nixplay celebrates the most amazing women in our lives: our Super Moms. What’s even more fantastic than juggling work, marriage, and being a mother, right? We know it isn’t easy and, for a lot of new moms, transitioning from independence can be daunting. It’s a frantic life, but the rewards are absolutely worth it.

We got to chat with blogger, yogi, body positivity advocate, and real-life Super Mom Emily Nolan, who shares several realizations that may help new moms ease into the latest adventure of their lives. Read on!

Please tell us about yourself.

Emily Nolan: I’m a mama (and wife), first and foremost. I’m also a radically honest blogger and a model. I love to write, and I’m currently writing a book on how and why we need to learn to radically accept ourselves. I love sharing this journey of confidence with other women by organizing events like Topless Yoga and Be Pretty Brave wellness retreats.

Fun fact? I had a super embarrassing moment that recently happened when I just started to go out of the house after having a baby. I totally overshared with the front desk attendant at my gym and told her just how much milk I have (in my breasts!). I know, so bad. I was craving a conversation and killed all my chances.

We’re fans of your blog. We’ve seen you transform from a naive young woman into a fearless champion of self-acceptance. Can you share with our Nixplay family what you’ve learned from these stages of your life?

Emily Nolan: One takeaway from my entire life experience is to be brave enough to radically accept yourself for who you are and what you look like. I know that I’ll never be stick-thin. My mother and grandmother are both strong, beautiful women. Instead of fighting my body type with diets or excessive exercise, I focus on nourishing myself the best that I can, sleeping enough, and managing stress levels with hobbies and downtime.

You’ve entered a new phase with Ollie in the picture. What was the biggest change by far?

Emily Nolan: The biggest challenge I faced as a new mom is learning to fit a codependent baby into my life. I am a very independent person, so I can’t pick up and go like I used to. That being said, I love my life, it’s just very different and requires more thought before action.

Can you tell us about your best “Super Mom” moment?

Emily Nolan: My best “Super Mom” moment was labor and delivery. There is nothing more super than giving birth. I appreciate you recognizing me as a “super mom.” I don’t always feel that way because I don’t have a ton to compare to (I think that’s a good thing!). I do work my butt off to try and get all my work done so I can be present with Oliver while he’s awake. We love to be outside and take walks around our neighborhood.

What are your final tips for new moms and soon-to-be moms?

Emily Nolan: Being a new mother is not intuitive, no matter how many times people will tell you it is. Reach out for help. Look for experts like baby sleep coaches (I used @takingcarababies), certified lactation consultants, baby feeding specialists among others. There are experts in everything who will guide you and make the process much easier for you. There’s also no such thing as too much information, so just take what you need and leave all the stuff that doesn’t fit into your lifestyle or serve you.

Learn more about Emily by visiting emilynolan.com. Don’t forget to read her new blog: 7 Things Every New Mom Needs to Know.

What Would the World be Like Without Moms?

By Mars Salazar

On May 6, 2019

In Lifestyle

It’s impossible to fathom a world without mothers—there would be far fewer people in the world, for one thing. But let’s take a moment to imagine such a scenario. What would the world be like without mothers? Read on for some possibilities.

We’d miss mom’s cooking terribly.

A meal at your city’s top restaurant is great, sure, but nothing compares to mom’s cooking. Few things are as comforting as a slice of home-baked apple pie after school, or a bowl of stew on a blustery evening. And while moms are usually generous enough to pass on their signature recipes to us, they just don’t taste the same.

We’d be sick more often.

Moms have a magical healing touch that can ward off fevers, sore throats, scrapes, and all sorts of body pain. They just know what to do to make you feel better (and they also know when to take you to the hospital should your ailment be beyond their healing powers’ limits).

There’d be way less love to go around.

Moms are amazing at soothing teenagers’ heartaches, chasing away kids’ bad dreams, and dealing with toddlers’ tantrums. Without mothers, you can expect to see more moody, angsty people in dire need of hugs and love.

We’d have really unhealthy eating habits.

Moms are notorious for squirreling away junk food to promote healthy eating habits. When there are no mothers to hide the chips and chocolate in the pantry, we’ll succumb to temptation faster than you can spell ‘candy’.

We’d lose a lot of things.

If you’ve ever lost something at home, chances are your mom knows exactly where it is. They just seem to always know where everything is. With no moms to guide us in the right direction, our lost things will most likely be gone for good.

A world without mothers is a lonely world, indeed. That’s why you should treasure every moment with your mom, and take each opportunity to let her know just how amazing she is. Do just that with a Nixplay Frame stocked with her favorite family photos—every picture should let her know just how much she means to you and your family.

Don’t miss the chance to get up to 25% off selected Nixplay Frames for Mother’s Day, only until May 13!

5 Netflix Programs to Binge-Watch on Mother’s Day

By Nixplay Team

On May 3, 2019

In Lifestyle

The notion of motherhood that we see in movies and social media presents only the glossy, picture-perfect aspect of the experience. Not captured by the lens are the messy diapers, sleepless nights, unexplainable tantrums, and countless headaches. It’s not always a glamorous experience, but that’s what makes it more worthwhile.

Below, we compiled a few shows you can watch on Netflix right now to celebrate motherhood and all its ups and downs. Get the tissues and popcorn ready!

Workin’ Moms

Motherhood is not easy, especially when you’re dealing with postpartum depression, sexism in the workplace, relationships, and your own dreams and aspirations. That’s why Workin’ Moms is so relatable: This Canadian sitcom revolves around four Canadian women’s return to the workforce after having babies, humorously capturing the tricky balancing act all working mothers go through.

Gilmore Girls

This classic drama-comedy focuses on the lives of Lorelai, a thirty-something single mom, and her teenage daughter Rory as they navigate the ups and downs of suburban life in Connecticut. This sweet, well-loved series is guaranteed to bound on your heartstrings.

Bad Moms

Another hilarious movie about the struggles of “having it all,” Bad Moms tells the story of Amy Mitchell, a suburban mom of two who finds herself spread too thin while balancing the demands of her job and her responsibilities as to her kids. When she meets a laid-back single mother and a hands-on stay-at-home mom at a bar, they get inspired by one another and hilariously become better versions of themselves.

Mamma Mia!

Is your mom a fan of ABBA? If so, Mamma Mia! Should be on your must-watch list. You and your mom will enjoy singing along to the romantic musical’s song numbers, and you’ll want to hug her a little bit tighter once the credits start rolling.

Ali Wong: Hard Knock Wife

Want a laugh-out-loud show? Stand-up comedienne Ali Wong’s brash, witty tirades about family life and motherhood, fueled by raging pregnancy hormones, should strike a chord and tickle all your funny bones. The best part? You don’t have to be a mom to relate to Wong—you just need a great sense of humor. A final warning: This show isn’t for uptight folks!

While you’re at it, you might as well give mom a gift that will remind her of all the fun she had while raising you! Give her a Nixplay Frame loaded with photos of her with her family, and she’ll feel like the luckiest mom in the world.

Get up to 25% off selected Nixplay Frames for Mothers Day! Hurry, offer ends on May 13!

How to Throw a Fun Cinco De Mayo Party

By Nixplay Team

On May 2, 2019

In Lifestyle

For most Americans, Cinco De Mayo—the commemoration of the 1862 Battle of Puebla, in which a ragtag Mexican army defeated the better-equipped French troops—symbolizes the very best of Mexican resilience and culture. It’s the best day to immerse yourself in all things Mexican–eat Mexican food, listen to Mexican music, patronize Mexican businesses, and know more about Mexico’s history.

Throwing a party is a great way to celebrate the holiday. But first, make sure you’ve got all the supplies on hand before you start!

Theme

When you hear “Mexico,” what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Cacti, Aztec temples, sombreros, Mariachi music, Frida Kahlo? Pick a theme and plan your party’s decor around a Mexican motif of your choosing. Your guests can dress up as famous Mexican artists, or you can give small potted succulents as party favors.

Invites

Sure, you can print out elaborate invites, but let’s be real here: Your efforts will be better put to use to prepare food and drinks. Just create an event on Facebook, or send a pretty email to everyone in your guest list. Make sure your theme is reflected in your invites, be it in the graphics or in the copy.

Food

A Mexican-themed party would be incomplete without delicious Mexican food! Arrange a taco bar for your guests, mix some guacamole, and serve some nachos and elotes, and get ready for a scrumptious Mexican feast.

Drinks

What’s a party without great drinks? Prepare aguas frescas and horchata, and try to get your hands on Mexican Coca-Cola, which supposedly tastes better than its US counterpart. Don’t forget the tequila, mezcal, and cerveza!

Entertainment

Prepare a Spotify playlist of upbeat Mexican songs to keep your guests on their feet the whole night. For games, your guests can take turns guessing Mexican words in a fun game of charades. Don’t forget to take photos of all your shenanigans, and display them on a Nixplay Frame so you can always look back at the great night you had with your loved ones!

PS: Take advantage of Nixplay’s Mother’s Day Sale to get up to 25% off bestselling frames! Hurry, offer lasts until May 13!

6 Superpowers All Moms Have

By Mars Salazar

On April 29, 2019

In Holidays

Mothers love with a fierceness that can overcome any obstacle. This love propels them to achieve amazing feats for the sake of their families, granting them superhuman abilities that make everyone love and respect them. Here are a few of their most notable superpowers.

Super Strength

To start, giving birth can be an excruciatingly painful process. It’s an ordeal that can drastically change a woman’s body, possibly resulting in torn parts, broken bones, and a host of surgical procedures. It’s a very impressive task that definitely warrants a hug (or two!).

Healing

When you’re feeling under the weather, who do you call first? Most likely your mom, that’s who. She just knows how to deal with any health mishap, be it a small scrape or a bad fever.

Magical Storage

Need a bandaid? Your mom probably has a few in her purse. Feeling peckish? There’s a granola bar with your name on it inside your mother’s tote. Looking for a pen? Your mom’s bound to have one or two, plus a notebook to boot. Whatever you need, you can expect to find it in your mother’s bag.

Super Searching

Your mom knows where everything in the house is. Your favorite socks? In the second drawer in your closet. A screwdriver? In the box on the shelf in the garage. Sheet music of your favorite Broadway songs? In a folder under your sister’s bed. It’s like her brain has a built-in GPS.

ESP

Moms just know when there’s something fishy happening at home. You’ve probably been caught red-handed doing things you weren’t supposed to do, like drawing on the wall or eating some chocolate after you’ve already brushed your teeth. Their spider senses are amazingly on point, and they’re always right.

Time-bending

Ever wondered how moms manage to wake up at the crack of dawn to prepare breakfast for the family and send off the kids to school before going to the office, then rushing after work to attend a PTA meeting, prepare dinner for the family, and help the kids with their homework? If that’s not a superpower, we don’t know what it is!

This upcoming Mother’s Day, honor your Supermom with a Nixplay frame! Get up to 25% off selected frames, only until May 13!