Tag: summer Page 1 of 2

4 Secrets To Staying Productive During Summer

On July 23, 2020

It’s not easy to stay focused and productive during the summer months. Fortunately, it’s not impossible. Whether you’re focused on your studies or holding down the fort at the office, here are a few ways you can stay on track during the next few weeks.

Remember Your Goals

Staying motivated can be difficult when it seems like everyone around you is on vacation mode. It’s never been more important to keep track of your goals. Write them down and stick them somewhere you’ll always see. Keep the ball rolling by focusing on self-improvement: Learn a new skill, improve on your favorite hobbies, and take on more responsibilities.

Stick To A Routine

A routine can make your day-to-day more efficient. A set schedule may seem dull for some, but blocking specific hours to eat, rest, and work on certain tasks can help you feel more in control, keeping your mind clear and allowing you to stay productive. It’s also great for starting new habits.

Try The Pomodoro Technique

The temptation to slack off can spike during summer. You could be physically at work, but your mind is probably in a tropical paradise somewhere, sipping a fruity cocktail poolside. Stay focused by using the Pomodoro technique: work for 25 minutes straight, take a short break when the timer rings, then dive into your next task. It’s simple, inexpensive, and does the trick. You’ll be done with your to-do list in no time!

Make Time For Fun

All work and no play can make a person feel dull and miserable, especially when the sun is shining outside your fluorescent-lit workplace. If you feel like you’re on the verge of burning out, take advantage of your personal leaves and take a day off–just make sure to delegate your tasks before you go out and have fun!

Photo by Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash

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.

How To Photograph Fireworks Like A Pro

By Mars Salazar

On June 25, 2020

In Photography

With the Fourth of July coming up, it’ll be good for you to know how to take great photos of fireworks. They’re one of the most majestic things you can see–and one of the most challenging subjects to capture on camera. If you want to improve your fireworks photos, here are some tips to get you started.

How To Photograph Fireworks Like An Expert

Scout for a great location

When shooting fireworks, it’s crucial to secure a good spot from which you can capture the magic without obstruction. Location matters, and if you can find an elevated space away from the crowds (to make sure that people’s heads or limbs won’t be in your shot), that would be perfect. Your location also plays a huge factor in your photos’ background. Do you want to shoot fireworks against an unobstructed night sky, the city skyline, or the mountains? Where you’ll be shooting can spell the difference between a good fireworks photo and a great one.

Use a tripod and a remote

Now that you’ve secured your location, the next thing you need to do is to secure your camera so you don’t end up with blurred shots. This is especially important for fast-moving subjects: when every split-second counts, you want to make sure you’re prepared. A tripod should come in handy, and controlling shots using a remote can further reduce camera shake.

Think about your framing

First things first: Are you shooting landscape or portrait? The former is great if you’re including the surrounding scenery, while the latter is better if you want to highlight the fireworks.

You also have to remember that different types of fireworks have different heights. Adjusting your camera constantly to get the fireworks in the frame could result in missed shots. Instead of trying to take photos of every explosion, it’s more efficient to just focus on a particular section of the sky and capture the action there.

Use slow shutter speeds and shoot at a low ISO

Long exposure shots are perfect for capturing the fireworks’ movement. Try to keep the shutter open from the moment the firework starts to explode until it finishes exploding. But don’t try to keep it open too long, lest you overexpose the shot.

Shooting at a high ISO will result in brighter but noisier images–something you don’t want if your goal is to capture the contrast between the fireworks’ bright lines and the inky sky as cleanly as possible.

Don’t forget to display your fireworks photos on a Nixplay Frame! We’re having a Secret Sale on our US site right now: Get up to 25% off selected frames, only until July 12!

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.

Making Better Vacation Memories By Hiring A Local Photographer

By Mars Salazar

On August 12, 2019

In Photography

Bridget* was turning 35 when she decided to take a vacation on her birthday as a present to herself. In her mind, there was no doubt that Cancún was the place to go.

“The first time I went to Cancún was actually with my family, for a summer vacation when I was still in middle school,” Bridget said about her birthday trip to the tropical Mexican tourist town. “I remember it was my favorite vacation, and this year, with my mother passing away, traveling there again seemed like a good way to honor her as well as celebrate my birthday in a special way.”

Cancún attracts tourists from around the world, and Bridget isn’t the only one charmed by the seaside paradise. The stretches of white sand next to the Caribbean, the idyllic waterfront hotels, and the vibrant energy gives the entire city an atmosphere different from any other. This makes it an ideal vacation destination for travelers of all stripes.

While Bridget was mostly attracted to the beaches of Cancún, she also made a point to visit some of the other historic sites nearby. She learned about the El Rey Mayan ruins, an ancient site thought to be dedicated to the Mayan god of the sun. Bridget was impressed by the stone ruins of the temples, pillars, and monuments constructed by the Mayans who used to live in that region of Mexico.

Back in the city, Bridget also decided to visit the Museo Maya de Cancún to learn more about the ancient civilizations and the artifacts discovered at the El Rey site, as well as the discoveries from other archaeological excavations around the country. It was a good way to cap off the experience and learn more about the amazing sites she had seen at El Rey.

To make her Cancun trip more memorable, Bridget decided to enlist the services of a local photographer who can better capture her memories.

“When I was planning my trip, I decided to find local photographers in Cancún so I can do a photoshoot there,” Bridget shared. “I have a two-year-old daughter at home, and while she’s too young to come with me for this trip, I hope to bring her to Cancún someday. I thought it would be nice to have pictures to show her so she could see for herself how beautiful the place is.”

Bridget and the photographer took most of the photos on the beaches; with the stunning Caribbean and dazzling golden sand, every shot was picture-perfect without needing to stage anything.

“I was actually a bit nervous for the photoshoot,” Bridget confided. “I guess I don’t picture myself as someone who normally does things like that. But all my doubts went away when I met the photographer from Localgrapher. Everything was so relaxed and informal; I wasn’t even really sure where I wanted to do the photoshoot, and they gave me a lot of suggestions without overwhelming me. It turned out to be a lot of fun.”

“My decision to find a local photographer in Cancún was the right one to make. I was all worried that it would be stressful, or not worth the time, but it turned out amazing,” Bridget said. “Now I have these special photos to show my daughter, and we can hopefully plan our next trip to take some pictures together.”

complete your vacation memories by displaying your vacation photos on a Nixplay Frame! take advantage of our Back To School sale and get 25% off selected frames until August 25!

*name had been changed

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.

Best Summer Vacation Destinations in the United States

By Edward Cruz

On July 26, 2019

In Lifestyle

The summer season is currently on full blast, and the hot sunny days mean it’s time for a vacation! And if you live in the USA, you’re in luck: There are so many summer-perfect destinations that it can be difficult to decide where to go. Whether you’re heading to the beach, going on a cross-country road trip, exploring a new city, or camping in the mountains, you’ll certainly find your preferred activity in the United States, and there definitely will be no shortage of fun!

Not sure about which of the 50 beautiful USA states will be best for your vacation? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best summer destinations in the U.S. that you should add to your travel itinerary.

Manitou Island, Michigan

If you’re looking for an undiscovered beach destination, then Manitou Island is the place to go. This breathtaking island offers an escape for those who are looking for solitude in nature. The place offers a lot of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, paddling, kayaking, and camping. Visitors interested in wildlife will also find diverse flora and fauna on its beaches and wilderness areas.

You can learn more about the history of Manitou Island by exploring the North Manitou Village and the ghost town of Crescent, taking care to respect the privacy of those who are living on the island. Manitou Island is accessible only via a boat, but you’ll surely have a great trip across Lake Michigan to get there as there are wonderful views in any seat on the boat.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

You’ll never run out of things to do in Cape Cod. This part of Massachusetts offers every kind activity you could want—no wonder it is one of the top vacation spots in the country! Enjoy gorgeous beaches, dine on fabulous seafood shacks, explore picture-perfect lighthouses, or simply lounge on the sand while stargazing or watching the seals play in the waves. The shoreline also offers a range of outdoor activities like sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing.

Visit the Salt Pond Visitor Center, the town’s main visitor facility that features a museum, bookstore, and an indoor theatre. Don’t forget to add the Province Land’s Visitor Center to your itinerary—it features an observation deck with a stunning 360-degree view of the Province Lands dunes, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Outer Beach. Get your camera loaded with lots of storage as there are plenty of scenic surroundings in Cape Cod, and you’ll surely love to shoot photos at its colorful downtown area.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is without a doubt one of the greatest cities in the world. People are drawn for its lively crowd, eccentricity, beautiful scenery, and rich history. The place has been a famous destination for foodies for its variety of great restaurants, as well as food markets where they do market-to-table demonstration by local chefs. Thousands of visitors also take a cruise on the bay for a tour of the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary and the country’s first lighthouse. It’s not all grim history at Alcatraz, though: the island offers the most breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline.

Summer is the most fun time of the year in the Bay Area. San Francisco offers many activities to do and discover during summer, with festivities, races, attractions happening almost every day of the week. The longer days of summer opens up more opportunities to experience everything the City by the Bay has to offer. And surely, nobody will go home without taking a picture with one of the seven modern wonders of the world, the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a selfie on San Fran’s famous cable cars and make the Lombard Street, dubbed the most crooked street in the world, your photo background!

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City is a family-friendly and affordable summer destination in the Mid-Atlantic. This resort town has ten miles of family-friendly beach, a famous Boardwalk, delicious bites, exciting attractions, and free events. The place receives up to 8 million visitors each year, making it one of the east coast’s most popular destinations. Tourists flock here for its warm sands and the fun-filled water adventures it offers, such as swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. If you love the view of the ocean then this is the place for you!

It’s also worth noting that the Ocean City Boardwalk has long been a favorite American summer destination as it offers several amusement park rides, stores, and arcades. The place is perfect to explore on a bicycle or roller skates. Don’t miss the chance to visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, where both kids and adults can discover and enjoy fun & quirky stuff, and ride the Boardwalk’s Ferris wheel, where you’ll get a picturesque view at the top!

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a destination that all Americans should see at least once in their lifetime. 6.38 million visitors flock here annually for the breathtaking natural scenery that stretches for 277 miles. You can explore the canyon as you wish, and we recommend taking your time as a day trip could be too short to truly immerse yourself in all the place has to offer.

The Grand Canyon Village is the most popular entryway into the park. Visit Yavapai Point, one of the best spots to view the canyon. The Horseshoe Bend is another top attraction for tourists coming from the eastern end, offering visitors and photographers with stunning views. Havasu Falls may be difficult to reach, but you’ll be rewarded with its famous jaw-dropping sceneries resplendent with turquoise-hued waters. Visitors must hike 10 miles into the canyon and 10 miles back up to the rim to get here, but the trip is well worth the effort.

Ready your travel bags and your cameras, because you don’t want to miss out on the precious moments of this summer! Of course, we would love to remember every moment of our summer trips, and there is no better way to keep them with Nixplay frames. These smart frames not only display a great assortment of your photos, but also play video clips of the summer you’ll never forget.

Edward Cruz

Edward Cruz is a staff writer for VIPpromocodes.com, a website that provides the latest promotional codes, exclusive sales, and offers for all of the top stores in the U.S.A.

http://VIPpromocodes.com