Tag: 2020 Page 1 of 2

social distancing fourth of july activities

Fun Fourth of July Activities You Can Do At Home

On July 2, 2020

While this year’s Fourth of July celebrations will be different, it certainly doesn’t mean that it’ll be a dull holiday. Large gatherings are not advisable at the moment, but you can still have fun with your closest loved ones. Here are some ways to have a special Fourth of July while staying safe and healthy:

1. Watch Fourth of July shows

Can’t go out to watch fireworks? The internet might just be your savior: Several sites will be streaming fireworks shows, as well as concerts, plays, and other entertainment. We’ll be tuned in to PBS’ streaming of A Capitol Fourth! (watch it via this link), as well as the filmed-for-cinema version of the hit Broadway show Hamilton (watch it on Display Plus).

2. Decorate your home

You don’t get a lot of occasions to go all out with the stars and stripes-themed decor, so take advantage of the holiday! Dress up your home with Fourth of July-themed balloons and streamers, put up American flags, and fill vases with red and white blooms. You can get the kids to join in the fun by holding arts and crafts contests–they’ll have a blast decorating everything red, white, and blue.

3. Have a patriotic movie marathon

A movie marathon is a brilliant way to while away an afternoon. Set up your most comfortable cushions in front of your TV, prepare bowls of popcorn, chips, and other snacks, and get set for a few hours of Netflix (or Hulu, or Disney Plus) and Chill. Some of our picks: Glory, Top Gun, Forrest Gump, Air Force One, and Captain America: The Frist Avenger.

4. Have a barbecue in your lawn

It’s not a proper Fourth of July celebration without a barbecue! While we don’t recommend inviting your neighbors over, you can still celebrate by setting out your own grills on your respective lawns, where you can see each other and socialize from a safe distance. It’ll probably be a bit chaotic, sure, but it’s going to be a lot of fun!

Don’t forget to take pictures of your Fourth of July festivities! Share your photos directly with your friends and family using your Nixplay Frames. We have a Secret Sale going on until July 12–now’s your chance to score our bestselling digital photo frames at prices you can’t resist. Shop now!

Photo by Bermix Studio 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 Stick To Your 2020 Resolutions

By Mars Salazar

On January 31, 2020

In Lifestyle

We’ve given you a lot of suggestions on how to make 2020 your best year ever. Maybe you’ve even decided to adopt some of the New Year resolutions we suggested–in which case, we’re honored to be of help! But deciding on which resolutions to take on is the easy part. The real challenge lies in maintaining the promises you made to yourself at the start of the year. We’ve got your back–read on for our advice!

1. Start with the achievable

Make resolutions that you know you can keep, given your schedule and finances. Don’t be afraid to opt for baby steps, like going to the gym at least three days a week, or making sure that you eat fruits and vegetables every day. There’s nothing wrong with that! But of course, you should always…

2. Aim to surpass your targets

If you find yourself surpassing your targets faster than anticipated, well, good for you! Now, keep up the momentum by taking your 2020 challenges to the next level. From going to the gym thrice a week, try to do so every day. From including fruits and vegetables in your daily diet, try to make one of your major meals vegan. You can do it!

3. Make it public

Announcing your resolutions to others give it an air of legitimacy, and forces you to stick to the promises you made to yourself. Keep your friends and family updated on your progress regularly–they’ll be happy for you and you might even become an inspiration for them! You can also hold yourself accountable by taking photos of yourself achieving your resolutions. Display them on a Nixplay Frame so you’ll always see your progress.

4. Don’t be too hard on yourself

So you got sick and missed going to the gym this week. Or stopped eating veggies because of a bad bout of food poisoning. Or maybe you just didn’t feel like going to the gym. That’s okay. Life happens, and we have to go with the flow accordingly. Just make sure to pick up where you left off!

5. Give yourself a deadline

The best goals are time-bound. When you know that the clock is ticking, you’ll feel more pressure to work hard to achieve your dreams. Instead of a very vague “I’ll go to the gym more often this 2020”, make it “I’ll finish a 10K race by May” so you’ll be more motivated to work out. It’s all in the framing.

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.

6 Challenges You Can Try This Year

By Mars Salazar

On January 28, 2020

In Lifestyle

The first month of 2020 might be almost over (and boy, what a month it was), but it’s not yet too late to turn over a new leaf this year! From networking with people to working on your tardiness, we could all use a little room for improvement. Here are some ideas you can start with.

1. Wake Up Early Every Day

Being a morning person isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely doable! The key is to get out of bed the second your alarm rings/ Don’t fall for the temptation of hitting the snooze button–you’ll end up feeling more lethargic. That’s not a good way to start your day! The benefits are endless–you’ll have more time to do the stuff you want, you decrease your chances of being late, you can go about your morning routine feeling more relaxed.

2. Exercise At Least Thrice A Week

We know how difficult it can be to go to the gym, especially when there are lots of other things that are simply more fun to do, like…nearly anything but exercising. Besides, the first few minutes of a workout is just hell. But once you get past the initial “pain zone”, you’ll be so pumped up and eager to hit all your fitness goals. Take it to the next level by joining a race before the year ends!

3. Track Your Expenses Every Day

Want to be more responsible with your finances? You can start by tracking your purchases daily on an expense tracker to properly gauge how much you spend regularly and which categories you spend most on. From here, you can set a daily or weekly budget to better control your spending.

4. Make A New Friend Every Week

Making friends is hard, especially for introverts and especially shy people. But if you stay in your comfort zone, relationships-wise, how else will you expand your circle? This 2020, challenge yourself to make at least one new friend a week. Who knows, you might just meet your soulmate this way!

5. Keep A Journal And Update It Regularly

Documenting your day-to-day activities can be therapeutic. This activity gives you the opportunity to step back and reflect on what you’ve done, what has happened to you, and the blessings you’ve received. It also helps you improve your writing and artistic skills.

6. Take A Photo A Day

How hard can it be to take one photo a day? As it turns out, it can be quite challenging. When you’re in an office job with a steady routine, it can be tricky to find unique subjects to capture. And that’s exactly why you should try to take one photo a day.

Make your memories last forever with Nixplay! Get up to 25 percent off during our Clearance Sale, only until January 31!

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.

12 Things To Look Forward To In 2020

By Mars Salazar

On January 21, 2020

In Special Moments

2020 might be the year of clear vision, but all puns aside, we really do have a lot of things to look forward to in this milestone year. The dawn of a new decade brings so much promise, and there’s so much to get excited about in 2020. Read on for the things you should look forward to this year!

1, A leap year

February 29 is a date that appears on the calendar only once every four years, and 2020’s one such lucky year. That means you’ve got one extra day to make your dreams come true. You can’t say that for most years!

2. The U.S. Presidential Elections

In November, the United States will be having its 59th quadrennial presidential election, wherein voters will decide whether to reelect Donald Trump or go with a new candidate from the Democratic Party. With the highest position in the world up for grabs, it’s inarguably the most anticipated political event of the year.

3. The Brexit

The U.S. Presidential Elections might be considered by political pundits as 2020’s main event, but the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union is a close second. The UK is set to leave the EU on January 31, and will then go into a transition period to sort out trade deals, law enforcement issues, and other crucial matters.

4. The Summer Olympics

On to brighter global news: The 2020 summer Olympics, which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, will begin on July 24. A handful of new sports, such as Karate and skateboarding, will be added to the program, and baseball will be back after a two-year hiatus. Tokyo 2020 will also have an eco-friendly theme, with the torch and the medals to be made using recyclable materials.

5. A New Mars Probe

In July, NASA will send a new probe to Mars to hunt for signs of ancient life on the planet’s Jezero Crater, collecting samples and testing cutting-edge space technology. If all goes well, the still-unnamed rover is set to join its sister, Curiosity, on the red planet by February 2021.

6. New Gadgets, New Tech

New year, new gadgets! There’s the PlayStation 5, and its rival, the Xbox Series X, for the gamers out there. New streaming services, like Peacock and HBO Max, will also launch this year. Automobile manufacturers are also planning to churn out electric trucks for eco-conscious off-roaders. The tech release we’re most excited about, though, has got to be the return of the Motorola Razr as a fully functional foldable smartphone.

7. A (Hopefully) Greener World

After Greta Thunberg led the climate change battle in 2019, it’s nice to see countries and companies springing into action this year with various sustainability initiatives. The US military has pledged to use more renewable energy in 2020, big companies like Starbucks and IKEA have pledged to reduce their plastic usage, and the United Nations have pledged to plant millions of trees around the world to counter the environmental damage caused by our cities. Coincidentally, 2020 also marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day!

8. The New World’s Tallest Building

Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower, which towers over the city at over 1 kilometer tall, is set to overtake Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the highest building in the world. This billion-dollar tower will be the epicenter of Jeddah Economic City and will accommodate the Four Seasons Hotel, as well as office spaces and residential apartments.

9. Two Solar Eclipses

Here are two other space-related spectacles you shouldn’t miss: an annular solar eclipse, wherein the moon doesn’t completely cover the sun, on June 21, and a total solar eclipse, where the moon will totally cover the sun, on December 14. Make sure your eyes are protected should you be lucky enough to catch these events!

10. The 2020 World Expo

190 countries will participate in the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, which is anticipated to be a global celebration of culture, collaboration, and innovation. Though there have been several World Expos in the past, it’s the first such event to be held in the Middle East, making it a major international milestone.

11. A Ton of Movie, TV Show, Music, and Book Options

In terms of entertainment, there’s a LOT to look forward to in 2020. From superhero shows to family-friendly franchises to book-to-screen remakes, there’s something for everyone on both big and small screens. Book lovers also have a lot to be happy about–Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins will be releasing a prequel to her much-loved series, and magic realism writer Isabel Allende is also coming out with a new book about a couple’s experience in Pinochet-era Chile. If Spotify is your BFF, 2020’s shaping up to be a great year for you, too: New albums from several top artists, such as Ke$ha, Green Day, The Cure, Foo Fighters, Lady Gaga, expected to drop in the following months.

12.More Good Memories

Of course, a new year wouldn’t be complete without making new memories. From milestones such as weddings and birthdays to camping trips and beach getaways to the seemingly mundane moments that matter most, each day deserves to be documented and treasured.

Take lots of photos (trust us, you’d want to look back at them!) and display them on a Nixplay Frame for posterity. Don’t miss our clearance sale to 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.

20 Things You’d Wish You Could’ve Told Your Younger Self

By Mars Salazar

On January 17, 2020

In Lifestyle

We’re kicking off 2020 with a list of things we wish we knew when we were 20. Read on!

1. Find true friends and keep them forever.

You know those people who have experienced life’s ups and downs with you, and are still stuck to your side until now? Treasure them: They’re rare gems in a world full of fleeting friendships.

2. Let your family know that you love them.

Your parents did the best they could for you. Thank them. Forgive them. Be patient with them. Love them.

3. Invest in experiences, not in things.

The sheen of material things fades over time. Objects become scuffed, worn out, dirty, or broken. Experiences, however, create memories that last a lifetime (which you should capture and display on a Nixplay Frame!).

4. Don’t stop learning.

Always strive to be the smartest person in the room. And if you’re already the smartest person in the room, leave that room immediately and start the process again. That’s how we grow.

5. Find a mentor.

Mentors provide invaluable knowledge, feedback, and encouragement, and can help you grow personally and professionally. In relation to the previous number, what better person to learn from than someone who’s an expert in your chosen field?

6. Start good habits.

Little habits, such as exercising every day, paying bills promptly, and being on time always, add up and transform you into a more disciplined version of yourself.

7. Your accomplishments (or lack thereof) don’t define you.

At the end of the day, the number of medals, awards, and accolades you’ve reaped don’t matter. What’s important is that you tried, you did your best, and you grew from your experiences.

8. And neither does your career.

So you’re not in the company you’ve dreamed of working for, or you didn’t get that promotion you wanted. And you know what? That’s totally okay! Roll up your sleeves, brush up on your skills, and expand your network. You’ll be named employee of the month before you know it.

9. Make more time for your family.

Relationships come and go, but your family is irreplaceable. Make it a priority to spend quality time with them regularly, and never miss a chance to let them know that they mean so much to you.

10. Take care of your body…

All the money in the world can only do so much when your health is in shambles. Since prevention is better (and cheaper) than cure, start creating healthy habits as early as now: eat vegetables, avoid smoking and drinking, take your vitamins, drink eight glasses of water.

11. …And keep pushing its limits.

When you’re in your 20s, your body is in its prime. Now’s the time to try all the things you’ve always wanted to try, from skiing to rock climbing to surfing to skydiving. Discover what you’re capable of!

12. Looks aren’t everything.

As much as it hurts to admit, you won’t stay young and beautiful forever. You’ll have wrinkles, your weight will fluctuate, your hair will be a problem. Maintain your looks, but keep in mind that what truly matters is your inner beauty.

13. Manage your money wisely.

Personal finance isn’t exactly fun, but it’s incredibly important. Earmark for savings a set percentage of your salary each month, pay your credit card on time, and look into the many ways you can make your money grow faster.

14. Travel more often.

Traveling is an eye-opening, enlightening, and rewarding experience. It’s the best way to broaden your horizons. Try to visit as many destinations as you can while you’re still young and commitment-free.

15. Give back.

There’s an advocacy for everyone, whether you’re into disaster risk reduction or childhood education. Find a cause that means a lot to you, dedicate yourself to it, and make a difference.

16. Remember that you’re not entitled to anything.

Sometimes, things just don’t work out even if you did your best. And when things seem unfair, remember that no one owes you anything. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again.

17. Take risks. Be brave.

Remember: the most exciting moments of your life happen when you’re outside your comfort zone.

18. Set goals and don’t lose sight of them.

Goals, whether achievable (like a monthly savings target) or seemingly impossible (like owning a house before turning 30), force you to take more risks, get creative, and hustle hard. You’ll be forced to push yourself to your limits and improve exponentially. And in our book, progress is always a good thing.

19. Don’t think about what people think.

No matter what you do, people will always, always say something. Our advice? Don’t listen to them (unless they’re asking you to quit a dangerous habit–then you should totally listen to them). Follow the beat of your own drum, and do what’s best for your life.

20. You’re going to mess up. And it’s okay!

People make mistakes. We all do. And that’s normal. The important thing is that you learn from your errors and try again.

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.