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how to look photo-ready for st patricks day

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!

Unique Family Christmas Card Ideas

By Alice Murray

On December 5, 2019

In Holidays

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:

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!

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.

6 Ways to Simplify Your Holidays

By Lisa Luken

On October 21, 2019

In Holidays

The holidays are fast approaching, which means our to-do lists are getting longer day by day. If you’re feeling the pressure of trying to do it all, it’s important to step back and remember what this season is truly about.

According to Wikipedia, in modern use, the term holiday means “any special day of rest or relaxation, as opposed to normal days away from work or school.” If this is the case, then why does the holiday season always seem to end up as one of the craziest and busiest times of year? No matter what activities and celebrations you participate in during this season, with some intentionality, it’s possible to tame the chaos and make this holiday season slower, simpler, and more enjoyable.

Here are 6 ways to simplify your holidays:

Delegate

Don’t think of delegating as giving in or giving up. Instead, think of it from a positive perspective. When you delegate, you give others the opportunity to do what they do best. Let them be the expert and handle the task. In turn, you’ll free yourself up to do more things that you enjoy. Remember that your time is valuable, especially during the holiday season. The weeks will go by quickly and you can only do so much. Think about what your time is worth and invest in help when needed.

Focus on community

Even if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle for the season, preferring to hibernate instead, it wouldn’t hurt to do something for your community’s improvement. Pay attention to what the people in your community need and join them. Whether it’s choosing to give back by serving free hot meals or donating to a local toy drive, giving provides opportunities to connect with others in your community. You might also choose to join the caroling group in town, help decorate at the town hall, or attend a community theater production. Make it a point to smile and say hello to others at the events. Small gestures can go a long way in sharing the joy with others in your community.

If it’s overwhelming to think about volunteering or attending another event, choose to connect with your community at a different time of year when there are fewer demands on your attention. Consider which time of year works best for you, find a group in your community, and plan to participate in a different way in the new year. Connecting with others in your community is important all year!

Practice Teamwork & Communication

If you’re doing anything over the holiday season that requires collaboration, this is critical. Often, the source of our stress and messy holiday issues are a result of someone not asking for help or not communicating clearly. Be proactive by talking to your family and loved ones before the season begins. Discuss traditions, share new ideas and be open to each other’s thoughts. Remind each other that just because something has always been done a certain way, it doesn’t mean it needs to stay that way. Although you may encounter resistance to changing things up a bit, share why you think it’s important and try to agree on a new way of doing things this year. Have another discussion after the holiday season while the memories are fresh in everyone’s minds and use that information to plan for next year.

Choose experiences over things

Do you remember the last “thing” you received from a friend or family member? Now, do you remember the last experience you had with a friend or family member? Which comes to mind faster?

Over time, memories of experiences are more likely to stick with us than the physical items we’ve received over the years. Keep this in mind as you contemplate purchasing another gift for someone. If you’re tempted to just go out and purchase another cookbook for your budding culinary friend, consider instead taking them to a cooking class and enjoying the learning experience and the cooked meal with them after. You can also arrange a vacation with them so you can spend some quality time with each other!

If you’re still tempted to present them with a gift that can be opened, a Nixplay frame is a perfect gift! It will help you relive all of the experiences you’ve enjoyed with that person. Gift it with images already on it or enjoy the experience of sitting with them to set it up and add photos they choose. The experience of giving it can be your gift!

Uphold your boundaries

You’re likely going to get asked to do something this holiday season. Before the season begins, think about or jot down three words you’d like to feel during this holiday season. Think about what’s really important to you during this season. Then, when you get asked to do something, think back to your words and decide if this request will take you closer to or further from what you hold dear to your heart.

Don’t be afraid to say “no” if it doesn’t align with your vision or if the thought of doing it makes you feel overwhelmed or “heavy.” On the other hand, if you’re immediately excited about the request, say “yes” enthusiastically. You might also choose to respond instead with an alternative option that works for everyone. Be confident, speak up, and uphold your boundaries kindly and gracefully. Focus on what’s best for you and your family. Remember, it’s your holiday season, too.

Prioritize sleep and self-care

By upholding your boundaries, you’re creating a holiday season that feels good to you and your family. Though routines, activities, and traditions will change over the years, two things that should remain constant are sleep and self-care. Resist the urge to pack in more to-dos after everyone else is in bed and do your best to stick to a set bedtime so you don’t compromise your health.

Remember that self-care isn’t just about getting massages and having long weekends away (although it certainly can be!). Practicing self-care can be as simple as starting the morning in bed with five quiet minutes of deep breathing. Or maybe it’s incorporating in a 10-minute walk in the middle of the day. The bottom line is, it doesn’t have to be glamorous. Anything that helps you stay focused on your physical and mental health will help. When you prioritize these things, you’ll show up more alert, focused, and energized, and you’ll be more likely to enjoy your holiday season.

With some thoughtful planning and intentional conversations with your loved ones before the activities and commitments begin, you have the power to make this holiday season simple. Do your best with the suggestions here and give yourself the freedom to experiment with what feels right for you and your family.

5 Great Places Where You Can Celebrate The Fourth Of July

By Mars Salazar

On July 3, 2019

In Holidays

The Fourth of July is one of the biggest holidays in the U.S.A, marked by concerts, parties, and fireworks galore. But you have to admit: Some places are simply better than others at celebrating Independence Day. Here are the best cities to celebrate the Fourth at:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia played a pivotal role in the United States’ independence: It was where the Declaration of Independence was written and signed in July 1776. You can expect several days of festivities in commemoration of the Fourth of July, with fireworks, parades, concerts, and other activities for the whole family. Don’t miss the chance to visit the National Museum of American Jewish History, as well as the Bartram’s Garden House, for free, and cap off the day at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the annual concert and fireworks.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Celebrate the Fourth of July in a uniquely American way at New Orleans! Stroll around the French Quarter, then camp out on the banks of the Mississippi River (or go on a river cruise) for the annual can’t-miss fireworks display featuring dueling barges. You can also check out the annual ESSENCE Festival, the largest celebration of African American music, beauty, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle. 2019 marks ESSENCE’s 25th anniversary, so you can expect workshops, experiences, and performances from some of the most iconic names in the music business.

Washington, D.C.

President Trump has outlined an all-new celebration for the Fourth of July, which he had christened “A Salute to America.” The program includes fireworks over the Potomac River, a military parade with tanks and “incredible flyovers,” and a speech from Mr. Trump himself. You can also watch a baseball game at Nationals Park, pay homage to the past presidents at the National Portrait Gallery, and check out the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights at the National Archives.

Boston, Massachusetts

Given Boston’s rich history, it’s not surprising that it’s one of the best places to spend the Fourth of July at. Every year, thousands of people flock to the city for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular for an evening of music and fireworks. Make sure to be there early to secure a great view of the stage!

Nashville, Tennessee

Music fans shouldn’t miss the chance to celebrate at Nashville! Aside from a full day of family-friendly activities, soccer matches, and free concerts from an amazing lineup of artists, you can’t miss the showstopping 30-minute fireworks display choreographed to a medley of songs by the GRAMMY award-winning Nashville Symphony. Tip: Go to Ascend Amphitheater or Riverfront Park for an amazing view of the fireworks!

PS: Celebrate Independence Day with Nixplay! Get 15% off selected frames beginning July 4!

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.

Easy Easter Crafts Your Kids Can Do

By Nixplay Team

On April 17, 2019

In Holidays

Easter is one of the best times to try new arts and crafts projects, with all the colorful eggs, adorable chicks and bunnies, and vibrant springtime themes. Get your kids’ creative juices flowing by taking on these Easter-themed projects:

Pompom chicks

Not only are pompoms very easy to make, but they’re super adorable, too. Just get a ball of yellow yarn and wrap it around your fingers–the more times you wrap the yarn around your fingers, the fluffier your pompom will be. When there’s a thick enough loop of yarn around your fingers, remove it from your fingers and keep it in place by tying another piece of yarn in the middle. Cut through all the loops, and trim the ends until you have a nice ball of fluff. Glue on a pair of googly eyes, and cut out the chick’s feet and beak on orange felt paper, and you’ve got the most adorable fluffball on your hands.

Easter egg potato stamps

Keep young kids entertained at your Easter party by letting them get crafty! Cut a few potatoes in half and carve designs on them using a knife (make sure an adult is doing this part!). The kids can then dip the sliced potatoes into colorful paint, then stamp them on paper. Encourage them to get creative by preparing colored pens, ribbons, small twigs, and other materials they can add to their egg-inspired artwork.

Salt dough egg ornaments

Give your garden an Easter touch with some eggs-tra colorful decorations! Mix flour, salt, and water together to make the dough, knead it properly, and roll it out. Cut out egg-shaped ovals from the dough, add a hole in each egg, and bake it at 250F for two hours. Paint the eggs after they’re dried and cooled, and add a layer of paint sealer to make sure the eggs’ design will last for a long time. Thread some twine or ribbon through the eggs’ wholes, and hang them on the plants in your yard. If you’re hosting an Easter egg hunt at home, these will make for the perfect decoration.

Bunny ears hairpin

Can’t pull off actual-sized bunny ears? This cute little hairpin will be a great alternative. Trace and cut out two small circles and four bunny ear shapes on white felt paper, draw two smaller bunny ears on light pink felt paper. Sew together two white bunny ears, and glue on a pink bunny ear. Repeat the process to make the other ear, and make the bottom of the ears pointed so they won’t look bulky when attached together. Next, attach the bunny ears to a white felt circle by creating a slot in the middle of the circle and inserting the bottom of the ears. Then, slide a hairpin on to the other white felt circle and glue it under the felt circle with bunny ears.

Bunny napkin rings

Planning an Easter party? These napkin bunny rings will add an adorable touch to your table setting. Wrap some burlap around a cut-up toilet paper tube, seal it with hot glue, and glue on two burlap bunny ears. Repeat the process depending on the number of your guests. It’s a small addition that will make your guests more excited for the Easter festivities.

Don’t forget to document your Easter crafts with lots of photos! Display them on a Nixplay frame so the memories of the fun holiday will always be within reach. Don’t miss the chance to get up to 25% off selected frames, only until April 21!