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string(92) "[Interview] Exploring the endless possibilities of lifestyle TVs – Samsung Global Newsroom"
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▲ (Left to right) Kyuseong Lee, Kang-il Chung and Sunwoo Kim, TV lifestyle product planners at Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display Business
The characteristics of televisions continue to evolve according to the latest trends and lifestyles. In this context, the role of television has expanded. Whereas previously it was just a simple entertainment device, the TV has now become a central part of users’ interior design projects.
To keep up with emerging trends, Samsung Electronics has continued to think outside the box by exploring new possibilities for televisions. Since 2015, the company has been constantly pushing the boundaries to develop new looks and features on its TVs and ensure consumers can tailor their TV to their lifestyle. So how did Samsung design their lifestyle TV line-up and what kind of customer experience does it aim to deliver? To find out, Samsung Newsroom sat down with the company’s TV lifestyle product planners, who have contributed to solutions ranging from The Serif to The Terrace.
Lifestyle televisions: becoming more than just a living room accessory
A vivid picture and a sense of immersion are two fundamental things that a TV must deliver, with a well-designed product capable of delivering both. Nowadays, lifestyles are changing and viewing has left the living room, with people preferring to consume their content in the room they are in at the time.
“Our goal was to enable consumers to have a range of different screens for different spaces in their home,” said group leader Kang-il Chung. “This would allow them to enjoy the content they want, wherever they are, based on Samsung’s ‘Screens Everywhere’ philosophy. Chung’s job is to analyze technology trends and usage patterns, which has allowed him to begin to determine the new features that users expect from their TVs.
“In order to establish concepts for new TV products and functions, we are looking at things like TV usage, interior design trends, and the overall cultural and lifestyle preferences of our users,” explained product planner Kyuseong Lee. During the planning phase, product planners focus on connecting the desired user experience to the essence of the product. By doing this, the team seeks to give the user a better understanding of both the history of the product and the distinct experience it offers. Lee added, “Rather than just adding a lot of different functions, we are working to clearly define the main concept of the product and then make it different. In this way, we seek to achieve all aspects of the base experience perfectly.
The Serif and The Frame: bring an elegant decoration to your other rooms
Since the time of its invention, television has been considered a living room staple. But now, with a growing number of users also installing TVs in rooms like their bedrooms and offices, that is about to change. In line with this trend, Samsung has expanded what it sees as the living room’s “TV space” to a range of other rooms. Along with this, the company began to develop televisions that not only suit the interior aesthetics of these other rooms, but include features that match the needs and lifestyles of people using the rooms.
In September 2015, Samsung introduced its first lifestyle TV, The Serif, designed to contribute to users’ interior design projects. The iconic I-shaped design of the Serif was created by the internationally renowned Bouroullec brothers and is an ideal choice for those looking for an aesthetic TV that fits well in any space. “We looked for a meaningful design that emphasized people and space, and tried to move away from the usual ‘TV look’,” Chung said. “Many consumers say The Serif looks more like a lifestyle product than a TV. “
The continued efforts of the product planning team to develop new models that integrate well with their surrounding environments have also contributed to the development of The Frame. Resembling a modern photo frame, this TV can be adapted to any interior design style and features an “art mode” that allows viewers to enjoy artistic masterpieces from the comfort of their own homes. The TV’s sensors are also capable of automatically detecting light intensity and movement. “Samsung works with world-renowned curators, renowned art galleries, museums and artists to offer a large collection of art through the Art Store,” explained Sunwoo Kim. “We will continue to work hard to ensure that we are able to display an increasingly wide range of stunning works of art in stunning resolution. “
Think outside the box: the Sero for Generation Y
And Samsung’s “think outside the box” development philosophy goes beyond space considerations and extends to form. While a typical TV has a horizontal screen in 16: 9 aspect ratio, the increasing use of mobile devices by modern viewers means that watching content on vertical screens is becoming more and more common. The trend of millennials looking at things on their smartphones, in particular, has contributed to the increased prominence of vertically displayed content. Thus, The Sero was developed to answer the question “What if we could rotate the TV screen to better match the lifestyles of millennial users?” “
The Sero is the result of this daring idea. “Developing the Sero with a rotating screen was a long and difficult journey because it felt like we were exploring uncharted territory,” the product planners said. The team had to take into account a wide range of factors, such as manual or automatic rotation of the screen by the user. The project brought together many different teams with the goal of creating a whole new consumer experience, with their efforts ultimately culminating in “The Sero”. “We are seeing an increasing consumption of vertical and short content on social networking sites,” Chung noted. “And The Sero allows viewers to use screen mirroring to watch this content in an immersive full screen format. “
Extension to other spaces: the first and the terrace
Over time, the focus of Samsung Lifestyle TVs has shifted again. Due to the pandemic, many people prefer to watch movies at home rather than going to the movies these days. The Premiere is specially designed for those who want to create a theater-like environment in their home. This easy-to-install model features a large cinema-like screen with crisp picture quality. “With The Premiere, you can enjoy your favorite content on an ultra-wide screen from the comfort of your home,” Kim explained. “With a premium fabric finish, The Premiere is also a great addition to your home decor. “
In today’s climate, more and more people are also using private outdoor spaces such as balconies. In line with these changes in consumer lifestyle, Samsung introduced its first outdoor TV model, The Terrace. With superior water and dust resistance, The Terrace provides an exceptional viewing experience regardless of rain, heat or other adverse weather events. Lee said, “In the future, the outdoor TV market is expected to grow exponentially. The terrace provides the optimum outdoor viewing experience, delivering exceptionally vivid and detailed images in both sunlight and shade.
As our televisions become more and more important parts of our lives, some argue that product evolution is drawing to a close. But Chung thinks differently, saying that “there is still an endless range of possibilities for what our televisions could become in the future. He expressed the hope that he and his team will be able to continue to introduce new and varied lifestyle television models to continue to provide new experiences to consumers.
Samsung’s lifestyle TV product planners believe that TVs must continue to evolve in order to keep up with ever-changing lifestyles. “We want to develop televisions that people want to own and will want to show off,” Kim said. “Our dream is to build a“ lifestyle universe ”where each space is equipped with a lifestyle television adapted to the function of the space.
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▲ (Left to right) Kyuseong Lee, Kang-il Chung and Sunwoo Kim, TV lifestyle product planners at Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display Business
The characteristics of televisions continue to evolve according to the latest trends and lifestyles. In this context, the role of television has expanded. Whereas previously it was just a simple entertainment device, the TV has now become a central part of users’ interior design projects.
To keep up with emerging trends, Samsung Electronics has continued to think outside the box by exploring new possibilities for televisions. Since 2015, the company has been constantly pushing the boundaries to develop new looks and features on its TVs and ensure consumers can tailor their TV to their lifestyle. So how did Samsung design their lifestyle TV line-up and what kind of customer experience does it aim to deliver? To find out, Samsung Newsroom sat down with the company’s TV lifestyle product planners, who have contributed to solutions ranging from The Serif to The Terrace.
Lifestyle televisions: becoming more than just a living room accessory
A vivid picture and a sense of immersion are two fundamental things that a TV must deliver, with a well-designed product capable of delivering both. Nowadays, lifestyles are changing and viewing has left the living room, with people preferring to consume their content in the room they are in at the time.
“Our goal was to enable consumers to have a range of different screens for different spaces in their home,” said group leader Kang-il Chung. “This would allow them to enjoy the content they want, wherever they are, based on Samsung’s ‘Screens Everywhere’ philosophy. Chung’s job is to analyze technology trends and usage patterns, which has allowed him to begin to determine the new features that users expect from their TVs.
“In order to establish concepts for new TV products and functions, we are looking at things like TV usage, interior design trends, and the overall cultural and lifestyle preferences of our users,” explained product planner Kyuseong Lee. During the planning phase, product planners focus on connecting the desired user experience to the essence of the product. By doing this, the team seeks to give the user a better understanding of both the history of the product and the distinct experience it offers. Lee added, “Rather than just adding a lot of different functions, we are working to clearly define the main concept of the product and then make it different. In this way, we seek to achieve all aspects of the base experience perfectly.
The Serif and The Frame: bring an elegant decoration to your other rooms
Since the time of its invention, television has been considered a living room staple. But now, with a growing number of users also installing TVs in rooms like their bedrooms and offices, that is about to change. In line with this trend, Samsung has expanded what it sees as the living room’s “TV space” to a range of other rooms. Along with this, the company began to develop televisions that not only suit the interior aesthetics of these other rooms, but include features that match the needs and lifestyles of people using the rooms.
In September 2015, Samsung introduced its first lifestyle TV, The Serif, designed to contribute to users’ interior design projects. The iconic I-shaped design of the Serif was created by the internationally renowned Bouroullec brothers and is an ideal choice for those looking for an aesthetic TV that fits well in any space. “We looked for a meaningful design that emphasized people and space, and tried to move away from the usual ‘TV look’,” Chung said. “Many consumers say The Serif looks more like a lifestyle product than a TV. “
The continued efforts of the product planning team to develop new models that integrate well with their surrounding environments have also contributed to the development of The Frame. Resembling a modern photo frame, this TV can be adapted to any interior design style and features an “art mode” that allows viewers to enjoy artistic masterpieces from the comfort of their own homes. The TV’s sensors are also capable of automatically detecting light intensity and movement. “Samsung works with world-renowned curators, renowned art galleries, museums and artists to offer a large collection of art through the Art Store,” explained Sunwoo Kim. “We will continue to work hard to ensure that we are able to display an increasingly wide range of stunning works of art in stunning resolution. “
Think outside the box: the Sero for Generation Y
And Samsung’s “think outside the box” development philosophy goes beyond space considerations and extends to form. While a typical TV has a horizontal screen in 16: 9 aspect ratio, the increasing use of mobile devices by modern viewers means that watching content on vertical screens is becoming more and more common. The trend of millennials looking at things on their smartphones, in particular, has contributed to the increased prominence of vertically displayed content. Thus, The Sero was developed to answer the question “What if we could rotate the TV screen to better match the lifestyles of millennial users?” “
The Sero is the result of this daring idea. “Developing the Sero with a rotating screen was a long and difficult journey because it felt like we were exploring uncharted territory,” the product planners said. The team had to take into account a wide range of factors, such as manual or automatic rotation of the screen by the user. The project brought together many different teams with the goal of creating a whole new consumer experience, with their efforts ultimately culminating in “The Sero”. “We are seeing an increasing consumption of vertical and short content on social networking sites,” Chung noted. “And The Sero allows viewers to use screen mirroring to watch this content in an immersive full screen format. “
Extension to other spaces: the first and the terrace
Over time, the focus of Samsung Lifestyle TVs has shifted again. Due to the pandemic, many people prefer to watch movies at home rather than going to the movies these days. The Premiere is specially designed for those who want to create a theater-like environment in their home. This easy-to-install model features a large cinema-like screen with crisp picture quality. “With The Premiere, you can enjoy your favorite content on an ultra-wide screen from the comfort of your home,” Kim explained. “With a premium fabric finish, The Premiere is also a great addition to your home decor. “
In today’s climate, more and more people are also using private outdoor spaces such as balconies. In line with these changes in consumer lifestyle, Samsung introduced its first outdoor TV model, The Terrace. With superior water and dust resistance, The Terrace provides an exceptional viewing experience regardless of rain, heat or other adverse weather events. Lee said, “In the future, the outdoor TV market is expected to grow exponentially. The terrace provides the optimum outdoor viewing experience, delivering exceptionally vivid and detailed images in both sunlight and shade.
As our televisions become more and more important parts of our lives, some argue that product evolution is drawing to a close. But Chung thinks differently, saying that “there is still an endless range of possibilities for what our televisions could become in the future. He expressed the hope that he and his team will be able to continue to introduce new and varied lifestyle television models to continue to provide new experiences to consumers.
Samsung’s lifestyle TV product planners believe that TVs must continue to evolve in order to keep up with ever-changing lifestyles. “We want to develop televisions that people want to own and will want to show off,” Kim said. “Our dream is to build a“ lifestyle universe ”where each space is equipped with a lifestyle television adapted to the function of the space.
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string(61) "The Best Back-to-School Supplies List Has Everything You Need"
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September is right around the corner, and we all know what that means; back to school shopping. After hosting your kids at home for over a year, it may seem like a daunting task to head out into the world and purchase backpacks and notebooks. Luckily, I know that looking for school supplies can be overwhelming even in normal times. So, look no further! I’ve put together a list of the best back-to-school supplies to reduce some of the stress this time of year can induce.
While compiling this list for you, I prioritized safe products, good reviews, options for multiple ages, and of course great design and color pattern options, too. Some of the prices might give you sticker shock, but remember, most of these items are made to last several years, reducing your need to replace them yearly. Hello, slow fashion!
Backpacks & Lunch Boxes
Let’s start off with backpacks and lunch boxes. These items should be on every parent’s back-to-school supplies shopping list. Because let’s face it, even the youngest of children needs a bag and lunch box to take to daycare or preschool.
1 of 20
Sticky Lemons Small backpacks
These backpacks have the coolest designs, come in large and small sizes, and even have matching fanny packs. Bold, colorful and fun is the vibe from this brand; perfect for my best back-to-school supplies shopping list.
2 of 20
State Bags Kane Kids Backpack
These bags come in 50 color combinations so you’re bound to find something that speaks to your child. Better yet, this company is one with a notable cause. For every State bag purchased, they’ll support American children and families in need and work to shift the narrative around social justice. Learn more about the incredible work they are doing on their website.
3 of 20
Fjallraven Rainbow Mini
Fjallraven has a cult following for a reason. The color and size options (perfect for matching mama and babe), as well as the quality, speak for themselves. This company puts sustainability at the forefront of its production, making quality items that last.
4 of 20
Away The Backpack
For your college student going back to school AWAY from home, pun intended. This bag packs all the organizing features and a sleek design for a young adult. Not to mention it makes the perfect carry-on for those plane rides back home to visit the parents.
5 of 20
Porter Utensils Set
I personally can’t stand single-use plastic cutlery and straws, which is why I love the Porter utensil sets. Compact, lightweight, and sturdy, they are also dishwasher safe. The carrying case ensures you will keep your cutlery clean and when it’s dirty it has a cover, just toss it in your backpack or purse. What more do you need?
6 of 20
Lunchbots Large Trio Bundle
Another bento box option with a slightly different approach and fave in my mom’s groups. These boxes are built to last a lifetime and are dishwasher safe. We originally bought Lunchbots for preschool, but my hubby and I even pack them on the weekends for picnics and outings with the kids.
7 of 20
Hydro Flask Kids Lunchbox
If you’re worried about keeping your kids’ lunch cold, this is the box for you. I’ve always been very impressed with the performance of Hydro Flask products and this lunch pail is no different. It’s lightweight and easy to clean with two size options grab a matching water bottle to go with! Plus, their products are FDA food grade with a BPA-free liner. Free from toxins, free from worry!
8 of 20
Planetbox, Rover (Set)
As you can tell, I’m a big fan of bento box lunch boxes. This eco-friendly stainless steel lunch set has it all. The tiny compartments are an A-type personality’s dream come true for organizing all your lunch snacks. Each Rover Set includes 1 Rover Lunch Box, 1 Big Dipper food container, 1 Little Dipper food container, Insulated Carrying Bag, and Magnet Set. These might land on the pricier side but I think it’s worth it. Get different magnets to mix up the theme from year to year.
Back-to-School Supplies
Next up, I’m diving into the best back-to-school supplies for napping materials. While your high school student or college freshman may want to take a nap during class, this list is definitely geared toward your little ones.
9 of 20
Lovevery Nap Mat
I’m not going to lie, I spent more time than necessary on nap mat research. My son Liam has super sensitive skin and it can flare up with harsh chemicals. I love that this one by Loververy has organic cotton but a much more affordable price point than the other organic cotton options on the market.
10 of 20
Avocado Mattress Toddler Pillow
If your toddler is at school and only needs a pillow and sheet this is my go-to. I love the size and again you can rest assured these are safe clean products. Safe, non-toxic, and breathable, Avocado fills their organic toddler pillow with 100% GOLS organic certified latex and 100% GOTS organic certified kapok fiber. Then, they stitch it all together using a gentle, 100% GOTS organic certified cotton. Sounds like a must on this best back-to-school supplies list.
11 of 20
Kyte, Crib Sheet
These crib sheets are my go-to for the kids, plus the fitted sheet works great with a cot. They are the softest and temperature regulating so if you have a warm-blooded child they will be perfectly happy on this sheet made of bamboo, cotton, and spandex.
Water Bottles
We know that as an adult it’s important to drink six to eight glasses of water a day. But do you know how much your children should drink? As a general rule, toddlers should have two to four cups, children four to eight years should drink five cups, and kids and pre-teens (nine to 13 years) should consume seven to eight cups. This brings me to my next point on the best back-to-school supplies list; water bottles.
12 of 20
Thermus Funtainer
This is perfect for little ones. What I love about Thermus is how lightweight and easy to clean they are, and the straw is removable so you can really clean the spout. It is however recommended you hand clean and dry. I’ve found they just get cleaner by hand anyway. Another cool feature is that the straw is covered so it helps keep the straw clean from germs when it’s not being used, but the best part is that it doesn’t leak.
13 of 20
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Kids Waterbottle
These things can take a beating (trust me we have put them to the test.) They really do a wonderful job of keeping liquids cool, and I like how much water they hold. A word to the wise though, they don’t fit into a standard cup holder if that’s a dealbreaker for you. But a bonus is that they are BPA-free.
14 of 20
Yeti Rambler with Chug Cap
If you’re looking for something that holds more water for an older child or teen, give the Yeti Rambler with Chug Cap a try. This water bottle has a wide-open mouth and scores high marks for keeping drinks hot or cold for several hours. The wide mouth is the perfect size allowing you to add ice cubes if you want without being overly wide and awkward to drink from. Your child will feel able to express themselves with this back-to-school bottle, thanks to the assortment of colors from bright and bold to more muted.
Face Masks
As a parent, you may have a lot of worries when it comes to sending your children back to school post-pandemic. I get it, we’ve got a lot to consider this year. This is why I think it’s important to add masks to my best back-to-school supplies list. I’ve rounded up three of my favorites on the internet with each child’s age in mind.
15 of 20
Baggu Fabric Masks (3 pack)
These bold colors and hip prints come in both adult and children’s sizing. What makes these a big hit on the playground are the adjustable ear straps. I can’t get over the adorable designs and love how they elevate my son’s outfits. If you have to wear them they might as well look good right?! Extra points for the organic cotton and wire nose form and 3-pack, cause we all know they’re going to get lost.
16 of 20
Athleta Adjustable Everyday mask (5 pack)
Are muted tones more your thing? Need something comfortable for your teen? These masks are the answer! Not only do they have tons of reviews on comfort, but they are also very affordable. Featuring an adjustable ear strap and noise wire, one reviewer said they are even comfortable to work out in.
17 of 20
Rachel Shop Co Face Mask Lanyard
We have all lost a few masks, and as I said, I’m sure there will be some casualties once school starts. That is why I’m loving these mask lanyards. The super lightweight, fun colors combos, are handmade and come in adult and children’s sizing. Bonus: this seller ships fast and you get to support a small female AAPI business!
Organizational Tools
Last but not least on my best back-to-school supplies list are things to help keep your kids organized. I’m a huge Type-A personality which means I’m an incredible multi-tasker and love organization—like love! So you can only imagine how much I enjoyed researching this section of our ultimate back-to-school supplies list.
18 of 20
Sticky Lemon Pencil Case
Sticky Lemon is a super quirky Dutch brand I stumbled upon years ago when searching for a pencil case for myself (LOL.) I love how their color combos nod to retro times and really give your child the opportunity to express themselves.
19 of 20
Herschel Settlement Case
Herschel Supply Co is a Vancouver, Canada-based company that’s goal is to create a timeless product with a fine regard for detail. I am in love with all of their bags, and highly recommend you take a scan through their website. There are tons of options for adults, kids, and teens. Plus, they’ve committed to giving thousands of bags to health care facilities across North America to help front-line workers on their journeys to and from work. Shoutout to my marketing team in Vancouver for turning me on to this awesome brand.
20 of 20
The Name Stamp Custom
All of these back-to-school supplies start to add up, so if you’re like me you want to keep track of it. From P.E. clothes to backpacks and pencil cases, keep track of them with a custom name label. The ink is supposed to stay for 50 washes. This was a late-night purchase I’m happy to report was worth the money.
I want to know what’s on your best back-to-school supplies list. Hit me up in the comment section below or reach out via DM on Instagram. I’m always on the hunt for sustainable and fashionable products to try. Even better if it supports BIPOC or AAPI businesses!
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September is right around the corner, and we all know what that means; back to school shopping. After hosting your kids at home for over a year, it may seem like a daunting task to head out into the world and purchase backpacks and notebooks. Luckily, I know that looking for school supplies can be overwhelming even in normal times. So, look no further! I’ve put together a list of the best back-to-school supplies to reduce some of the stress this time of year can induce.
While compiling this list for you, I prioritized safe products, good reviews, options for multiple ages, and of course great design and color pattern options, too. Some of the prices might give you sticker shock, but remember, most of these items are made to last several years, reducing your need to replace them yearly. Hello, slow fashion!
Backpacks & Lunch Boxes
Let’s start off with backpacks and lunch boxes. These items should be on every parent’s back-to-school supplies shopping list. Because let’s face it, even the youngest of children needs a bag and lunch box to take to daycare or preschool.
1 of 20
Sticky Lemons Small backpacks
These backpacks have the coolest designs, come in large and small sizes, and even have matching fanny packs. Bold, colorful and fun is the vibe from this brand; perfect for my best back-to-school supplies shopping list.
2 of 20
State Bags Kane Kids Backpack
These bags come in 50 color combinations so you’re bound to find something that speaks to your child. Better yet, this company is one with a notable cause. For every State bag purchased, they’ll support American children and families in need and work to shift the narrative around social justice. Learn more about the incredible work they are doing on their website.
3 of 20
Fjallraven Rainbow Mini
Fjallraven has a cult following for a reason. The color and size options (perfect for matching mama and babe), as well as the quality, speak for themselves. This company puts sustainability at the forefront of its production, making quality items that last.
4 of 20
Away The Backpack
For your college student going back to school AWAY from home, pun intended. This bag packs all the organizing features and a sleek design for a young adult. Not to mention it makes the perfect carry-on for those plane rides back home to visit the parents.
5 of 20
Porter Utensils Set
I personally can’t stand single-use plastic cutlery and straws, which is why I love the Porter utensil sets. Compact, lightweight, and sturdy, they are also dishwasher safe. The carrying case ensures you will keep your cutlery clean and when it’s dirty it has a cover, just toss it in your backpack or purse. What more do you need?
6 of 20
Lunchbots Large Trio Bundle
Another bento box option with a slightly different approach and fave in my mom’s groups. These boxes are built to last a lifetime and are dishwasher safe. We originally bought Lunchbots for preschool, but my hubby and I even pack them on the weekends for picnics and outings with the kids.
7 of 20
Hydro Flask Kids Lunchbox
If you’re worried about keeping your kids’ lunch cold, this is the box for you. I’ve always been very impressed with the performance of Hydro Flask products and this lunch pail is no different. It’s lightweight and easy to clean with two size options grab a matching water bottle to go with! Plus, their products are FDA food grade with a BPA-free liner. Free from toxins, free from worry!
8 of 20
Planetbox, Rover (Set)
As you can tell, I’m a big fan of bento box lunch boxes. This eco-friendly stainless steel lunch set has it all. The tiny compartments are an A-type personality’s dream come true for organizing all your lunch snacks. Each Rover Set includes 1 Rover Lunch Box, 1 Big Dipper food container, 1 Little Dipper food container, Insulated Carrying Bag, and Magnet Set. These might land on the pricier side but I think it’s worth it. Get different magnets to mix up the theme from year to year.
Back-to-School Supplies
Next up, I’m diving into the best back-to-school supplies for napping materials. While your high school student or college freshman may want to take a nap during class, this list is definitely geared toward your little ones.
9 of 20
Lovevery Nap Mat
I’m not going to lie, I spent more time than necessary on nap mat research. My son Liam has super sensitive skin and it can flare up with harsh chemicals. I love that this one by Loververy has organic cotton but a much more affordable price point than the other organic cotton options on the market.
10 of 20
Avocado Mattress Toddler Pillow
If your toddler is at school and only needs a pillow and sheet this is my go-to. I love the size and again you can rest assured these are safe clean products. Safe, non-toxic, and breathable, Avocado fills their organic toddler pillow with 100% GOLS organic certified latex and 100% GOTS organic certified kapok fiber. Then, they stitch it all together using a gentle, 100% GOTS organic certified cotton. Sounds like a must on this best back-to-school supplies list.
11 of 20
Kyte, Crib Sheet
These crib sheets are my go-to for the kids, plus the fitted sheet works great with a cot. They are the softest and temperature regulating so if you have a warm-blooded child they will be perfectly happy on this sheet made of bamboo, cotton, and spandex.
Water Bottles
We know that as an adult it’s important to drink six to eight glasses of water a day. But do you know how much your children should drink? As a general rule, toddlers should have two to four cups, children four to eight years should drink five cups, and kids and pre-teens (nine to 13 years) should consume seven to eight cups. This brings me to my next point on the best back-to-school supplies list; water bottles.
12 of 20
Thermus Funtainer
This is perfect for little ones. What I love about Thermus is how lightweight and easy to clean they are, and the straw is removable so you can really clean the spout. It is however recommended you hand clean and dry. I’ve found they just get cleaner by hand anyway. Another cool feature is that the straw is covered so it helps keep the straw clean from germs when it’s not being used, but the best part is that it doesn’t leak.
13 of 20
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Kids Waterbottle
These things can take a beating (trust me we have put them to the test.) They really do a wonderful job of keeping liquids cool, and I like how much water they hold. A word to the wise though, they don’t fit into a standard cup holder if that’s a dealbreaker for you. But a bonus is that they are BPA-free.
14 of 20
Yeti Rambler with Chug Cap
If you’re looking for something that holds more water for an older child or teen, give the Yeti Rambler with Chug Cap a try. This water bottle has a wide-open mouth and scores high marks for keeping drinks hot or cold for several hours. The wide mouth is the perfect size allowing you to add ice cubes if you want without being overly wide and awkward to drink from. Your child will feel able to express themselves with this back-to-school bottle, thanks to the assortment of colors from bright and bold to more muted.
Face Masks
As a parent, you may have a lot of worries when it comes to sending your children back to school post-pandemic. I get it, we’ve got a lot to consider this year. This is why I think it’s important to add masks to my best back-to-school supplies list. I’ve rounded up three of my favorites on the internet with each child’s age in mind.
15 of 20
Baggu Fabric Masks (3 pack)
These bold colors and hip prints come in both adult and children’s sizing. What makes these a big hit on the playground are the adjustable ear straps. I can’t get over the adorable designs and love how they elevate my son’s outfits. If you have to wear them they might as well look good right?! Extra points for the organic cotton and wire nose form and 3-pack, cause we all know they’re going to get lost.
16 of 20
Athleta Adjustable Everyday mask (5 pack)
Are muted tones more your thing? Need something comfortable for your teen? These masks are the answer! Not only do they have tons of reviews on comfort, but they are also very affordable. Featuring an adjustable ear strap and noise wire, one reviewer said they are even comfortable to work out in.
17 of 20
Rachel Shop Co Face Mask Lanyard
We have all lost a few masks, and as I said, I’m sure there will be some casualties once school starts. That is why I’m loving these mask lanyards. The super lightweight, fun colors combos, are handmade and come in adult and children’s sizing. Bonus: this seller ships fast and you get to support a small female AAPI business!
Organizational Tools
Last but not least on my best back-to-school supplies list are things to help keep your kids organized. I’m a huge Type-A personality which means I’m an incredible multi-tasker and love organization—like love! So you can only imagine how much I enjoyed researching this section of our ultimate back-to-school supplies list.
18 of 20
Sticky Lemon Pencil Case
Sticky Lemon is a super quirky Dutch brand I stumbled upon years ago when searching for a pencil case for myself (LOL.) I love how their color combos nod to retro times and really give your child the opportunity to express themselves.
19 of 20
Herschel Settlement Case
Herschel Supply Co is a Vancouver, Canada-based company that’s goal is to create a timeless product with a fine regard for detail. I am in love with all of their bags, and highly recommend you take a scan through their website. There are tons of options for adults, kids, and teens. Plus, they’ve committed to giving thousands of bags to health care facilities across North America to help front-line workers on their journeys to and from work. Shoutout to my marketing team in Vancouver for turning me on to this awesome brand.
20 of 20
The Name Stamp Custom
All of these back-to-school supplies start to add up, so if you’re like me you want to keep track of it. From P.E. clothes to backpacks and pencil cases, keep track of them with a custom name label. The ink is supposed to stay for 50 washes. This was a late-night purchase I’m happy to report was worth the money.
I want to know what’s on your best back-to-school supplies list. Hit me up in the comment section below or reach out via DM on Instagram. I’m always on the hunt for sustainable and fashionable products to try. Even better if it supports BIPOC or AAPI businesses!
"
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["title"]=>
string(61) "Al-Powered Fintech Startup Zeni Raises $34m in Series B Round"
["link"]=>
string(107) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/al-powered-fintech-startup-zeni-raises-34m-in-series-b-round/"
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string(14) "Peter Crossley"
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string(31) "Fri, 06 Aug 2021 09:37:30 +0000"
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["description"]=>
string(100) "The Palo Alto and Pune-based AI-powered fintech startup Zeni has completed a Series B fundraising..."
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The Palo Alto and Pune-based AI-powered fintech startup Zeni has completed a Series B fundraising round and secured $34 million. It is an advanced fintech platform that allows companies to do all their financial tracking in one place.
Elevation Capital led the fund. Other investors included Neeraj Arora, Think Investments, Sierra Ventures, Saama Capital, Twin Ventures, Dragon Capital, Liquid 2 Ventures, and Amit Singhal.
Digital transformation continues increasing amid startups and small businesses turning to digitize and automate their business operations.
According to Snehal Shinde, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Zeni, “Startups and small businesses are fundamentally changing how they operate based on digital-first tools and services that are displacing the traditional, slow and human-intensive services across every category.”
Zeni, a bookkeeping and accounting platform, uses its AI-powered Zeni Dashboard to provide real-time insights and flux analysis of a company’s key financial metrics.
These tools include a Universal Search of transactions across a company’s entire finance stack, Spend and Income Trends for every customer and vendor in their ecosystem, and Cash In and Cash Out analysis, among others.
Zeni has posted 550 percent in revenue growth year-over-year. The startup currently serves more than 100 startup customers.
In addition to the investment, Ravi Adusumalli, founder of Elevation Capital, will also become a member of Zeni’s board.
“Our focus at Zeni is to make financial management as seamless as possible for our customers, which carries over to the minimalist, intuitive product experience within the Zeni Dashboard. Every feature we introduce has an explicit purpose based on our customers’ needs, and is meticulously crafted to allow startup founders to find the answers to their questions in the most direct, actionable way possible,” Shinde said.
With the new funds, the startup will expand its service by investing its employees in the US and India across product, technology, marketing, sales, and finance operations.
"
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string(100) "The Palo Alto and Pune-based AI-powered fintech startup Zeni has completed a Series B fundraising..."
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The Palo Alto and Pune-based AI-powered fintech startup Zeni has completed a Series B fundraising round and secured $34 million. It is an advanced fintech platform that allows companies to do all their financial tracking in one place.
Elevation Capital led the fund. Other investors included Neeraj Arora, Think Investments, Sierra Ventures, Saama Capital, Twin Ventures, Dragon Capital, Liquid 2 Ventures, and Amit Singhal.
Digital transformation continues increasing amid startups and small businesses turning to digitize and automate their business operations.
According to Snehal Shinde, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Zeni, “Startups and small businesses are fundamentally changing how they operate based on digital-first tools and services that are displacing the traditional, slow and human-intensive services across every category.”
Zeni, a bookkeeping and accounting platform, uses its AI-powered Zeni Dashboard to provide real-time insights and flux analysis of a company’s key financial metrics.
These tools include a Universal Search of transactions across a company’s entire finance stack, Spend and Income Trends for every customer and vendor in their ecosystem, and Cash In and Cash Out analysis, among others.
Zeni has posted 550 percent in revenue growth year-over-year. The startup currently serves more than 100 startup customers.
In addition to the investment, Ravi Adusumalli, founder of Elevation Capital, will also become a member of Zeni’s board.
“Our focus at Zeni is to make financial management as seamless as possible for our customers, which carries over to the minimalist, intuitive product experience within the Zeni Dashboard. Every feature we introduce has an explicit purpose based on our customers’ needs, and is meticulously crafted to allow startup founders to find the answers to their questions in the most direct, actionable way possible,” Shinde said.
With the new funds, the startup will expand its service by investing its employees in the US and India across product, technology, marketing, sales, and finance operations.
"
["date_timestamp"]=>
int(1628242650)
}
[3]=>
array(11) {
["title"]=>
string(53) "Coffee is good for athletic performance, here’s why"
["link"]=>
string(96) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/coffee-is-good-for-athletic-performance-heres-why/"
["dc"]=>
array(1) {
["creator"]=>
string(14) "Peter Crossley"
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["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Fri, 06 Aug 2021 08:35:31 +0000"
["category"]=>
string(48) "LifestyleAthleticCaféCoffeeGoodHeresperformance"
["guid"]=>
string(96) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/coffee-is-good-for-athletic-performance-heres-why/"
["description"]=>
string(87) "Coffee, one of the most popular drinks in the world, confirms itself as an important..."
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Coffee, one of the most popular drinks in the world, confirms itself as an important ally both for those who do not want to miss any of the competitions broadcast on television, even at night, but also for the athletes who will try to win. a medal and break world records. The fact that caffeine is useful for athletes is not new; it is found in many energy and isotonic drinks.
Before running, training or cycling, before anaerobic physical exertion, it serves to increase athletic performance. This is recalled by a large meta-analysis of 21 studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, according to which caffeine can bring multiple benefits in the sport. In particular, it can improve muscle endurance and appears to have a stronger positive effect on aerobic activities than on anaerobic activities.
Dr JW Langer, nutrition expert and professor of medical pharmacology at the University of Copenhagen, said: “When it comes to coffee and caffeine, the results are clear: caffeine can help improve performance. studies show that athletes who consume caffeine before a race or sporting event are able to go faster, hold longer, and recover faster than those who don’t get that extra boost. especially true for endurance activities, such as cross-country running.
All the benefits of coffee in different sports
1. Better performance for coffee lovers: Several studies, including one on endurance exercise and jumping and another on a 5km cycling time trial, have shown that caffeine leads to improvement. sports activity among regular and occasional users.
2. Increased alertness and reflexes: Low to moderate caffeine consumption before or during exercise can help improve certain key cognitive functions in sport, including energy levels, mood, reaction time. and memory.
3. Drinking Coffee Helps Maintain Hydration: Although caffeine can have a mild diuretic effect, drinking a cup of coffee contributes to the body’s daily fluid intake.
4. Faster runners: Research has shown that drinking a cup of coffee before a 1 mile run can improve male runners’ times by 2%. Athletes who drank caffeinated coffee ran about 4 seconds faster than those who drank decaffeinated coffee, while those who drank a placebo ran 5 seconds faster.
5. Improves performance over medium distances: A study of amateur runners showed that taking caffeine supplements during a 5 km run was more beneficial than taking a placebo.
6. The ally of footballers: caffeine, taken 5 to 60 minutes before training, could produce significant beneficial effects in footballers, particularly in terms of jumping, sprinting and distance, as well as improving the time of exhaustion, the height of the jump in counter-movement and the perception of the effort. This data, which contrasts with another study which found no particular benefit to caffeine, which remains safe, shows that it is essential to continue to study the relationship between sport and coffee.
Via GQ Italie
.
"
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["summary"]=>
string(87) "Coffee, one of the most popular drinks in the world, confirms itself as an important..."
["atom_content"]=>
string(3809) "
Coffee, one of the most popular drinks in the world, confirms itself as an important ally both for those who do not want to miss any of the competitions broadcast on television, even at night, but also for the athletes who will try to win. a medal and break world records. The fact that caffeine is useful for athletes is not new; it is found in many energy and isotonic drinks.
Before running, training or cycling, before anaerobic physical exertion, it serves to increase athletic performance. This is recalled by a large meta-analysis of 21 studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, according to which caffeine can bring multiple benefits in the sport. In particular, it can improve muscle endurance and appears to have a stronger positive effect on aerobic activities than on anaerobic activities.
Dr JW Langer, nutrition expert and professor of medical pharmacology at the University of Copenhagen, said: “When it comes to coffee and caffeine, the results are clear: caffeine can help improve performance. studies show that athletes who consume caffeine before a race or sporting event are able to go faster, hold longer, and recover faster than those who don’t get that extra boost. especially true for endurance activities, such as cross-country running.
All the benefits of coffee in different sports
1. Better performance for coffee lovers: Several studies, including one on endurance exercise and jumping and another on a 5km cycling time trial, have shown that caffeine leads to improvement. sports activity among regular and occasional users.
2. Increased alertness and reflexes: Low to moderate caffeine consumption before or during exercise can help improve certain key cognitive functions in sport, including energy levels, mood, reaction time. and memory.
3. Drinking Coffee Helps Maintain Hydration: Although caffeine can have a mild diuretic effect, drinking a cup of coffee contributes to the body’s daily fluid intake.
4. Faster runners: Research has shown that drinking a cup of coffee before a 1 mile run can improve male runners’ times by 2%. Athletes who drank caffeinated coffee ran about 4 seconds faster than those who drank decaffeinated coffee, while those who drank a placebo ran 5 seconds faster.
5. Improves performance over medium distances: A study of amateur runners showed that taking caffeine supplements during a 5 km run was more beneficial than taking a placebo.
6. The ally of footballers: caffeine, taken 5 to 60 minutes before training, could produce significant beneficial effects in footballers, particularly in terms of jumping, sprinting and distance, as well as improving the time of exhaustion, the height of the jump in counter-movement and the perception of the effort. This data, which contrasts with another study which found no particular benefit to caffeine, which remains safe, shows that it is essential to continue to study the relationship between sport and coffee.
Via GQ Italie
.
"
["date_timestamp"]=>
int(1628238931)
}
[4]=>
array(11) {
["title"]=>
string(46) "O’Neill entrusts France to Lifestyle company"
["link"]=>
string(90) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/oneill-entrusts-france-to-lifestyle-company/"
["dc"]=>
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["creator"]=>
string(14) "Peter Crossley"
}
["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Fri, 06 Aug 2021 07:01:11 +0000"
["category"]=>
string(49) "LifestylecompanyentrustsFrancemeta_keywordsONeill"
["guid"]=>
string(90) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/oneill-entrusts-france-to-lifestyle-company/"
["description"]=>
string(88) "O’Neill opts for a change of model. The brand, founded in California in 1952 by..."
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O’Neill opts for a change of model. The brand, founded in California in 1952 by surfer Jack O’Neill, who had developed the first models of neoprene wetsuits, is reviewing its distribution method in Europe. Owned by the Dutch group Logo International headed by Ronald de Waal, which bought the rights in 2007, O’Neill relies on the LaJolla group in the United States to develop the American market and operated through several entities in Europe.
Collaboration O’Neill with artist Jean Jullien – O’Neill
The management decided to stop their activity. In France, two operators will intervene: O’Neill Wetsuits, based in England which will offer the equipment and technical products, and the distribution agency The Lifestyle Company which will take charge of the ready-to-wear lifestyle offer. brand wear and accessories.
“Today, the brand is offered at around 120 retailers in France, with a strong presence by the sea, and at large accounts such as Au Vieux Campeur, Galeries Lafayette but also online at Hardloop or Private Sport Shop, explains Antoine Tinel, head of The Lifestyle Company, which also distributes brands like Fred Perry or Barbour. It’s a network a little different from the one we work with, even if some accounts also offer Ipanema. But we remain in a brand spectrum for which Lifetyle has expertise. An international brand, with a strong history and authenticity in its field. This will allow us to broaden the base of contacts “.
Antoine Tinel intends to rely on the network of surfshops, which has good seasons with the presence of French tourists on the coasts of France. And counts among the five to six strong brands in the sector, on the lifestyle component, relying in particular on a wide bathing offer and meeting a variety of needs, in particular among women, but also with a proposal with the attributes of increasingly important eco-responsibility. “O’Neill Blue, which marks products incorporating at least 50% of a sustainable or responsible material, today represents 86% of the O’Neill offer, specifies the distributor. consumption, with this commitment and a great fleece offer, the brand is in the trend “.
With this proposal, the new representative of the brand also intends to seduce downtown shops throughout France, betting, via a multiplier coefficient reassessed at 2.5, on the fact that with his T-shirts in 35 and 40 euros , these shorts between 50 and 60 euros and its fleece sweatshirts for less than 80 euros, the brand will offer a complementary mid-range proposition for stores offering labels like Superdry and Patagonia.
Antoine Tinel is currently in contact with existing O’Neill customers in France. They knew the team of the subsidiary, in particular Laurent Pacaud, who had defended the label for more than two decades in France. By coupling the strong affect of the surfing world for O’Neill and an urban and lifestyle potential to be explored, the new distributor aims to increase the brand’s sales from more than one million euros today to some five million in three years.
"
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O’Neill opts for a change of model. The brand, founded in California in 1952 by surfer Jack O’Neill, who had developed the first models of neoprene wetsuits, is reviewing its distribution method in Europe. Owned by the Dutch group Logo International headed by Ronald de Waal, which bought the rights in 2007, O’Neill relies on the LaJolla group in the United States to develop the American market and operated through several entities in Europe.
Collaboration O’Neill with artist Jean Jullien – O’Neill
The management decided to stop their activity. In France, two operators will intervene: O’Neill Wetsuits, based in England which will offer the equipment and technical products, and the distribution agency The Lifestyle Company which will take charge of the ready-to-wear lifestyle offer. brand wear and accessories.
“Today, the brand is offered at around 120 retailers in France, with a strong presence by the sea, and at large accounts such as Au Vieux Campeur, Galeries Lafayette but also online at Hardloop or Private Sport Shop, explains Antoine Tinel, head of The Lifestyle Company, which also distributes brands like Fred Perry or Barbour. It’s a network a little different from the one we work with, even if some accounts also offer Ipanema. But we remain in a brand spectrum for which Lifetyle has expertise. An international brand, with a strong history and authenticity in its field. This will allow us to broaden the base of contacts “.
Antoine Tinel intends to rely on the network of surfshops, which has good seasons with the presence of French tourists on the coasts of France. And counts among the five to six strong brands in the sector, on the lifestyle component, relying in particular on a wide bathing offer and meeting a variety of needs, in particular among women, but also with a proposal with the attributes of increasingly important eco-responsibility. “O’Neill Blue, which marks products incorporating at least 50% of a sustainable or responsible material, today represents 86% of the O’Neill offer, specifies the distributor. consumption, with this commitment and a great fleece offer, the brand is in the trend “.
With this proposal, the new representative of the brand also intends to seduce downtown shops throughout France, betting, via a multiplier coefficient reassessed at 2.5, on the fact that with his T-shirts in 35 and 40 euros , these shorts between 50 and 60 euros and its fleece sweatshirts for less than 80 euros, the brand will offer a complementary mid-range proposition for stores offering labels like Superdry and Patagonia.
Antoine Tinel is currently in contact with existing O’Neill customers in France. They knew the team of the subsidiary, in particular Laurent Pacaud, who had defended the label for more than two decades in France. By coupling the strong affect of the surfing world for O’Neill and an urban and lifestyle potential to be explored, the new distributor aims to increase the brand’s sales from more than one million euros today to some five million in three years.
"
["date_timestamp"]=>
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}
[5]=>
array(11) {
["title"]=>
string(66) "Trail: 9 clothes and accessories to be the most stylish of runners"
["link"]=>
string(112) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/trail-9-clothes-and-accessories-to-be-the-most-stylish-of-runners/"
["dc"]=>
array(1) {
["creator"]=>
string(14) "Peter Crossley"
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["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Fri, 06 Aug 2021 05:25:25 +0000"
["category"]=>
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["description"]=>
string(92) "68 € on lululemon.com Tie-dye socks Launched in 2015 by Brice Partouche, founder of the..."
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68 € on lululemon.com
Tie-dye socks
Launched in 2015 by Brice Partouche, founder of the April 77 brand, with the idea of offering a decidedly more fashionable alternative to runners who were not found there in the general public offer of sportswear giants, Satisfy offers pieces that cannot be found anywhere else. The proof with these merino wool socks (for maximum comfort) with mesh inserts to facilitate ventilation (for performance).
35 € on satifsfyrunning.com
A pair of cult shoes
A reference in the field for decades, equipment supplier to many athletes specializing in long-distance races in difficult conditions, Salomon has, at the same time as its primary function, become a brand highly prized by fashionistas for some time now. The trendiest among us are snapping up the Salomon S / Lab XT-6 to wear it in an urban environment, but let’s not forget that it is above all a technical shoe designed for the outdoors … You can therefore wear it both on dusty trails this summer and on the asphalt at the start of the school year. What more ?
175 € on salomon.com
A super light waterproof jacket
This minimalist windbreaker with a slim fit from the Swiss brand On Running (which equips Roger Federer in sports shoes) is a must have for those who run all year round. In winter, you will wear it over several technical and warm layers. In summer, wear it open or store it in its K-Way-style zippered pocket in case the weather turns bad.
€ 239.95 at onrunning.com
A pair of sunglasses
Last accessory not to forget when you go for a long run: sunglasses. These are very light and flexible (the frame and the organic plastic shells are made from castor oil), available in different cool colors (green, hazelnut, midnight blue and black) and in addition they will not ruin you. not. For once we offer you an affordable product …
70 € on izipizi.com
.
"
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string(92) "68 € on lululemon.com Tie-dye socks Launched in 2015 by Brice Partouche, founder of the..."
["atom_content"]=>
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68 € on lululemon.com
Tie-dye socks
Launched in 2015 by Brice Partouche, founder of the April 77 brand, with the idea of offering a decidedly more fashionable alternative to runners who were not found there in the general public offer of sportswear giants, Satisfy offers pieces that cannot be found anywhere else. The proof with these merino wool socks (for maximum comfort) with mesh inserts to facilitate ventilation (for performance).
35 € on satifsfyrunning.com
A pair of cult shoes
A reference in the field for decades, equipment supplier to many athletes specializing in long-distance races in difficult conditions, Salomon has, at the same time as its primary function, become a brand highly prized by fashionistas for some time now. The trendiest among us are snapping up the Salomon S / Lab XT-6 to wear it in an urban environment, but let’s not forget that it is above all a technical shoe designed for the outdoors … You can therefore wear it both on dusty trails this summer and on the asphalt at the start of the school year. What more ?
175 € on salomon.com
A super light waterproof jacket
This minimalist windbreaker with a slim fit from the Swiss brand On Running (which equips Roger Federer in sports shoes) is a must have for those who run all year round. In winter, you will wear it over several technical and warm layers. In summer, wear it open or store it in its K-Way-style zippered pocket in case the weather turns bad.
€ 239.95 at onrunning.com
A pair of sunglasses
Last accessory not to forget when you go for a long run: sunglasses. These are very light and flexible (the frame and the organic plastic shells are made from castor oil), available in different cool colors (green, hazelnut, midnight blue and black) and in addition they will not ruin you. not. For once we offer you an affordable product …
70 € on izipizi.com
.
"
["date_timestamp"]=>
int(1628227525)
}
[6]=>
array(11) {
["title"]=>
string(54) "Healthy plant-based protein smoothies in Petaling Jaya"
["link"]=>
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["dc"]=>
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string(14) "Peter Crossley"
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["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Fri, 06 Aug 2021 04:54:25 +0000"
["category"]=>
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["guid"]=>
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["description"]=>
string(93) "When Randall Wong had to stall operations at his Damansara Uptown (DU) boutique gym during..."
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When Randall Wong had to stall operations at his Damansara Uptown (DU) boutique gym during the pandemic, his priority wasn’t to sustain the small business but to pursue a new venture for income.
He scoured the news for the pandemic’s effects in the health and fitness sector and came across the spike in awareness for nutrition.
Though he had no expertise in cooking healthy meals, he was knowledgeable in making protein shakes, something that also catered to the health-conscious. In August 2020, after over 3 decades of prepping the beverage daily for himself, he began making it for others through his new venture, Shakeasy Bar (Shakeasy), a cafe within the gym.
Shaking up the smoothie industry
On the surface, Shakeasy looks like another juice bar. Dig a little deeper and you’ll notice that all beverages offered are plant-based with soy protein isolate in them. Often used in the fitness world to gain muscle mass, protein isolate is a dietary supplement extracted from whey and is generally considered lactose-free.
While the local protein shakes market is by no means a blue ocean, protein smoothies are still harder to find. Boost Juice has its own range of protein smoothies, but other than that, there is a notable lack of players basing their whole business on plant-based protein milkshakes.
Protein shakes out there primarily target avid gym-goers working to bulk up. But as those aren’t always plant-based and vegan-friendly, Randall saw the opportunity for Shaekeasy to cater to a market beyond fitness buffs.
Other than being a healthy snack option, he explained that Shakeasy’s products can also be taken as a meal replacement. It’d mainly be for workers who sacrifice nutrition to accommodate their busy lifestyles, as the founder had once experienced before.
As with any other liquid-based meal replacements, they should replace no more than 1 meal a day. It’s best to still consume regular food for your other meals to maintain health. Though the shakes do provide nutrients that may be lacking in traditional meals, the opposite is also true. Thus, a balance of both is necessary.
Planning for a post-pandemic future
Randall reported that while the R&D for Shakeasy’s smoothies was relatively simple as the business doesn’t produce its own ingredients, the cost of sourcing raw materials from third parties drove up the cost.
Starting Shakeasy in his gym meant spending RM70K on the setup plus renovations, funded by Randall’s business partners. While much lower than the initial capital injected to kick off his gym, it’s still a high investment for a business riding a wellness trend that may not appeal to the mass market.
However, if Randall can sustain Shakeasy’s presence to cater to post-pandemic gym-goers around DU, which has boutique fitness centres and a gym chain inside the mall, his venture should maintain relevance. Additionally, Shakeasy has the advantage of being surrounded by many offices, enabling workers to grab one of his shakes as a meal replacement for convenience occasionally.
The cafe that was renovated before MCO 2.0 happened / Image Credit: Shakeasy Bar
As dine-ins remain closed at the moment, Shakeasy is focusing on delivery channels and social media to create its brand presence. Primarily targeting millennials, he markets the brand mainly through Facebook ads, then Instagram and Google.
With this approach, he’s sold over 1,800 cups of smoothies from January to July 2021, with 65% of them being returning customers from the target market. Randall also shared his gratitude for his existing gym members who made up Shakeasy’s client base from day 1.
Pushing for rapid expansion
Something that caught me off guard about Shakeasy was the fact that it’s only a year old, yet already has 2 outlets outside of DU. Randall explained that the shops in Bandar Sri Permaisuri and Sungai Besi are operated by independent owners who took interest in Shakeasy’s business model.
“The business model attracted them to venture into Shakeasy Bar as it has a low entry start-up cost and relatively easy learning curve,” Randall said, adding that he doesn’t charge the other owners listing or commission fees.
Each staff is trained on the smoothies’ recipes / Image Credit: Shakeasy Bar
On top of that, Shakeasy will provide support, product knowledge, and complimentary training to interested owners wanting to sell the protein smoothies under the brand. These steps are standard for licensing/franchising deals in the industry to maintain product consistency.
While it presents a quick opportunity to expand, Shakeasy would have to be careful when choosing who to partner with as poor management may harm the overall reputation of the business. Moreover, as plant-based smoothies may only appeal to a niche market, location matters for Shakeasy’s success.
Randall isn’t too worried though, and he’s confident in the current locations. “Both Bandar Sri Permaisuri and Chan Sow Lin, Sungai Besi are mature markets, but many around are young working adults, and a radius of 10km [for food deliveries] is already a good coverage.”
The founder also ensures marketing is consistent and manages the social media for all 3 outlets himself. Once the pandemic is over with dine-ins and gyms resuming operations, Randall plans to run Shakeasy as a cafe within his DU gym once it’s safe again. As for further expansions, he shared that such discussions are still brewing in the background with potential entrepreneurs.
ou can learn more about Shakeasy Bar here.
You can read about more F&B startups we’ve covered here.
Featured Image Credit: Randall Wong, founder of Shakeasy Bar
"
}
["summary"]=>
string(93) "When Randall Wong had to stall operations at his Damansara Uptown (DU) boutique gym during..."
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string(6912) "
When Randall Wong had to stall operations at his Damansara Uptown (DU) boutique gym during the pandemic, his priority wasn’t to sustain the small business but to pursue a new venture for income.
He scoured the news for the pandemic’s effects in the health and fitness sector and came across the spike in awareness for nutrition.
Though he had no expertise in cooking healthy meals, he was knowledgeable in making protein shakes, something that also catered to the health-conscious. In August 2020, after over 3 decades of prepping the beverage daily for himself, he began making it for others through his new venture, Shakeasy Bar (Shakeasy), a cafe within the gym.
Shaking up the smoothie industry
On the surface, Shakeasy looks like another juice bar. Dig a little deeper and you’ll notice that all beverages offered are plant-based with soy protein isolate in them. Often used in the fitness world to gain muscle mass, protein isolate is a dietary supplement extracted from whey and is generally considered lactose-free.
While the local protein shakes market is by no means a blue ocean, protein smoothies are still harder to find. Boost Juice has its own range of protein smoothies, but other than that, there is a notable lack of players basing their whole business on plant-based protein milkshakes.
Protein shakes out there primarily target avid gym-goers working to bulk up. But as those aren’t always plant-based and vegan-friendly, Randall saw the opportunity for Shaekeasy to cater to a market beyond fitness buffs.
Other than being a healthy snack option, he explained that Shakeasy’s products can also be taken as a meal replacement. It’d mainly be for workers who sacrifice nutrition to accommodate their busy lifestyles, as the founder had once experienced before.
As with any other liquid-based meal replacements, they should replace no more than 1 meal a day. It’s best to still consume regular food for your other meals to maintain health. Though the shakes do provide nutrients that may be lacking in traditional meals, the opposite is also true. Thus, a balance of both is necessary.
Planning for a post-pandemic future
Randall reported that while the R&D for Shakeasy’s smoothies was relatively simple as the business doesn’t produce its own ingredients, the cost of sourcing raw materials from third parties drove up the cost.
Starting Shakeasy in his gym meant spending RM70K on the setup plus renovations, funded by Randall’s business partners. While much lower than the initial capital injected to kick off his gym, it’s still a high investment for a business riding a wellness trend that may not appeal to the mass market.
However, if Randall can sustain Shakeasy’s presence to cater to post-pandemic gym-goers around DU, which has boutique fitness centres and a gym chain inside the mall, his venture should maintain relevance. Additionally, Shakeasy has the advantage of being surrounded by many offices, enabling workers to grab one of his shakes as a meal replacement for convenience occasionally.
The cafe that was renovated before MCO 2.0 happened / Image Credit: Shakeasy Bar
As dine-ins remain closed at the moment, Shakeasy is focusing on delivery channels and social media to create its brand presence. Primarily targeting millennials, he markets the brand mainly through Facebook ads, then Instagram and Google.
With this approach, he’s sold over 1,800 cups of smoothies from January to July 2021, with 65% of them being returning customers from the target market. Randall also shared his gratitude for his existing gym members who made up Shakeasy’s client base from day 1.
Pushing for rapid expansion
Something that caught me off guard about Shakeasy was the fact that it’s only a year old, yet already has 2 outlets outside of DU. Randall explained that the shops in Bandar Sri Permaisuri and Sungai Besi are operated by independent owners who took interest in Shakeasy’s business model.
“The business model attracted them to venture into Shakeasy Bar as it has a low entry start-up cost and relatively easy learning curve,” Randall said, adding that he doesn’t charge the other owners listing or commission fees.
Each staff is trained on the smoothies’ recipes / Image Credit: Shakeasy Bar
On top of that, Shakeasy will provide support, product knowledge, and complimentary training to interested owners wanting to sell the protein smoothies under the brand. These steps are standard for licensing/franchising deals in the industry to maintain product consistency.
While it presents a quick opportunity to expand, Shakeasy would have to be careful when choosing who to partner with as poor management may harm the overall reputation of the business. Moreover, as plant-based smoothies may only appeal to a niche market, location matters for Shakeasy’s success.
Randall isn’t too worried though, and he’s confident in the current locations. “Both Bandar Sri Permaisuri and Chan Sow Lin, Sungai Besi are mature markets, but many around are young working adults, and a radius of 10km [for food deliveries] is already a good coverage.”
The founder also ensures marketing is consistent and manages the social media for all 3 outlets himself. Once the pandemic is over with dine-ins and gyms resuming operations, Randall plans to run Shakeasy as a cafe within his DU gym once it’s safe again. As for further expansions, he shared that such discussions are still brewing in the background with potential entrepreneurs.
ou can learn more about Shakeasy Bar here.
You can read about more F&B startups we’ve covered here.
Featured Image Credit: Randall Wong, founder of Shakeasy Bar
"
["date_timestamp"]=>
int(1628225665)
}
[7]=>
array(11) {
["title"]=>
string(100) "IKEA has released a candle with a surprising scent (but one that should appeal to fans of the brand)"
["link"]=>
string(145) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/ikea-has-released-a-candle-with-a-surprising-scent-but-one-that-should-appeal-to-fans-of-the-brand/"
["dc"]=>
array(1) {
["creator"]=>
string(14) "Peter Crossley"
}
["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Fri, 06 Aug 2021 03:49:58 +0000"
["category"]=>
string(57) "LifestyleappealbrandcandlefansikeaReleasedscentsurprising"
["guid"]=>
string(145) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/ikea-has-released-a-candle-with-a-surprising-scent-but-one-that-should-appeal-to-fans-of-the-brand/"
["description"]=>
string(84) "“For many people, one of the first things that comes to mind when you think..."
["content"]=>
array(1) {
["encoded"]=>
string(3702) "
“For many people, one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of IKEA is its delicious Swedish meatballs, available in all of the firm’s restaurants at a particularly affordable price.” These are the words of Sho Matsuzaki, Creative Director for Ogilvy, a global advertising agency also working for Coca-Cola or Nestlé. “There is no furniture chain with a gastronomic offer as recognized and followed as IKEA”, he continues in an interview for the New York Post. “For the tenth anniversary of the IKEA Family, we thought it would be appropriate to create something unexpected, something that IKEA Family members and meatball lovers would love. And for info: yes, these candles do smell of meatball ”.
You read correctly. The IKEA chain decided to create a meatball scent candle. Responding to the sweet name of MAIN ROLE, like the meatballs themselves, the candle is part of a limited edition box called “IKEA Store In A Box” which has the strange mission of containing in a box, as the name suggests, the whole atmosphere olfactory from IKEA stores to diffuse it in your interior. It can be won through a lottery organized among members of the IKEA Family, a group operating on the principle of a loyalty subscription with advantages for members. The last of these advantages would therefore be to be able to perfume your living room with a sweet aroma of minced meat.
In 2018, a netizen predicted the creation of the candle on Twitter by writing “IKEA should make a candle that would feel like their meatballs”. At the time, this tweet had no idea what it was going to spawn. But as incongruous as it may sound, the idea of an unconventional scented candle is not new. In 2019, KFC sold a gravy scent candle, that thick brown sauce that accompanies their chicken, and last year, actress Gwyneth Paltrow marketed a candle that replicated the smell of her vagina. Go find out what the next fragrance will be on the list.
IKEA
.
"
}
["summary"]=>
string(84) "“For many people, one of the first things that comes to mind when you think..."
["atom_content"]=>
string(3702) "
“For many people, one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of IKEA is its delicious Swedish meatballs, available in all of the firm’s restaurants at a particularly affordable price.” These are the words of Sho Matsuzaki, Creative Director for Ogilvy, a global advertising agency also working for Coca-Cola or Nestlé. “There is no furniture chain with a gastronomic offer as recognized and followed as IKEA”, he continues in an interview for the New York Post. “For the tenth anniversary of the IKEA Family, we thought it would be appropriate to create something unexpected, something that IKEA Family members and meatball lovers would love. And for info: yes, these candles do smell of meatball ”.
You read correctly. The IKEA chain decided to create a meatball scent candle. Responding to the sweet name of MAIN ROLE, like the meatballs themselves, the candle is part of a limited edition box called “IKEA Store In A Box” which has the strange mission of containing in a box, as the name suggests, the whole atmosphere olfactory from IKEA stores to diffuse it in your interior. It can be won through a lottery organized among members of the IKEA Family, a group operating on the principle of a loyalty subscription with advantages for members. The last of these advantages would therefore be to be able to perfume your living room with a sweet aroma of minced meat.
In 2018, a netizen predicted the creation of the candle on Twitter by writing “IKEA should make a candle that would feel like their meatballs”. At the time, this tweet had no idea what it was going to spawn. But as incongruous as it may sound, the idea of an unconventional scented candle is not new. In 2019, KFC sold a gravy scent candle, that thick brown sauce that accompanies their chicken, and last year, actress Gwyneth Paltrow marketed a candle that replicated the smell of her vagina. Go find out what the next fragrance will be on the list.
IKEA
.
"
["date_timestamp"]=>
int(1628221798)
}
[8]=>
array(11) {
["title"]=>
string(74) "Here’s a list of 4 M’sian-made mobile & PC games released in 2020/2021"
["link"]=>
string(113) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/heres-a-list-of-4-msian-made-mobile-pc-games-released-in-2020-2021/"
["dc"]=>
array(1) {
["creator"]=>
string(14) "Peter Crossley"
}
["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Fri, 06 Aug 2021 03:18:12 +0000"
["category"]=>
string(46) "LifestyleGamesHeresListmobileMsianmadeReleased"
["guid"]=>
string(113) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/heres-a-list-of-4-msian-made-mobile-pc-games-released-in-2020-2021/"
["description"]=>
string(88) "[This is a sponsored article with Celcom.] With the pandemic still raging on, many of..."
["content"]=>
array(1) {
["encoded"]=>
string(15976) "
[This is a sponsored article with Celcom.]
With the pandemic still raging on, many of us are staying put at home, whether it’s to work, study, or play. Some families have found this as an opportune time to bond together through activities and games.
If you’re on the lookout for games to play together with your kids or friends, we have compiled a few that are locally made, so you can #sapotlokal while having fun at home.
A Note From The Sponsor: To help with gaming smoothly together and to #StayConnected, users under the Celcom MEGA Family Line can get Unlimited mobile internet, or 30GB of Lightning mobile internet for RM40 a month. Find out more about the plan at the end of the article.
1. Claw Stars (iOS, Android – Free)
In Claw Stars, you play as a sentient hamster on a quest to save some of your fellow animals. As you can guess from the screenshots, it operates similar to other claw games you see in the arcade. Move the claw left or right, and click a button to grab the prizes below.
Use the claw to get the prizes below / Image Credit: Vulcan Post
Once you finish upgrading the habitat, you can then move on to a new planet / Image Credit: Vulcan Post
Another player captured one of my animals / Image Credit: Vulcan Post
But instead of stuffed toys, what you get from the prizes are gems, coins, animals and so on. The coins can be used to build better habitats for the animals you save from the claw (think of yourself as the claw saving the aliens from Toy Story). Once you finish building a habitat, you’ll then move on to a new planet, saving a host of other animals.
However, that’s not the only interesting gameplay. Some of the prizes from the claw allow you to kidnap animals or block the habitats of other players. A kidnapped animal will give you coins, and the player whose animals are kidnapped will need to pay a ransom to release them.
So if you have a few friends or family added to the game, you can play against each other and see who can be the better space hamster. The game is developed by AppXplore, and we’ve reviewed some of their games in the past too.
2. Agent Ali: Agents’ Arena (iOS, Android – Free)
In Ejen Ali: Agents’ Arena, you can play as your favourite agent from the animated series in a 3v3 MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena), similar to games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Arena of Valor and Vainglory.
Gameplay of Alicia: Video Credit: Rio Favian on Youtube
Every agent has their own skills and attributes too. Like other MOBAs, your goal is to fight against the other team and hold control points. The more control points you hold, the more score you get. The game ends when a team scores a 100, or when the timer runs out.
If you’re a fan of Ejen Ali and have played MOBAs in the past, it’s a no-fuss game that can be played with or against friends and family. The game is developed by Common Extract, and published by Media Prima.
3. Eximius: Seize The Frontline (PC/Steam – RM51)
For families with slightly older children, Eximius: Seize The Frontline is a mixed genre PC game, combining both elements of RTS (Real-time strategy) and FPS (first-person shooter) in a single game. It is developed by Ammobox Studios, another local game studio.
Rushing to a control point / Image Credit: Vulcan Post
The game in RTS mode, where you can deploy units and build up the base / Image Credit: Vulcan Post
In Eximius, you play as one of the Officers of the two military factions in the game. The Officer mainly experiences the game in FPS: running, gunning and securing control points. The RTS genre of the game only comes in when you’re selected as the Commander for that round, allowing you to place buildings, build units and call for help to assist your team to victory.
Multiplayer-wise, you can create your own lobby to play with family or friends, or fight against bots and other players. You can read our review here for a more in-depth look on the game.
4. Rhythm Doctor (PC/Steam – RM33)
Unlike most games in this list where it’s all just non-stop action, Rhythm Doctor puts you in the shoes of a hospital intern, in charge of a new medical process. As the name suggests, Rhythm Doctor is a rhythm game, and can be played with just a click of a button. But don’t be deceived. The game can get hard so don’t expect it to be a cakewalk.
One of the songs from the game, you need to tap the button on the 7th beat / Video Credit: BluPen
There’s a wide variety of music genres in the game, ranging from fast-paced EDM to chill beats. Multiplayer-wise, the game allows you to tackle the stories together in co-op mode, or challenge each other via multiplayer battle. The game is developed by 7th Beat Games.
Honourable Mentions
While these games are not made locally or new, we’re including them here as potential suggestions for family-friendly fun. Your children are probably already obsessed with Roblox, but here are other alternatives that you can enjoy with them.
Active Arcade: While most of the games listed are ones you can play sitting down, Active Arcade gamifies the exercise experience. You’ll do things like hop and reach for boxes, use your arms for Whack-A-Mole, and squats, without the need for extra equipment—just make sure you have space to move. The game also has a 2-player mode where you and your friends and family can play beside each other.
You’ll have to move around quite a lot / Image Credit: NEX Lab
2. Butter Royale: Butter Royale is a Battle Royale game, but with a kitchen-y twist added to it. The game is only available on Apple Arcade, but if you’ve subscribed to it, this is worth picking up. The characters are cute, it’s full of puns, and even comes with a fan-favourite announcer aptly named Cesar Salads who makes corny jokes. The gameplay is fast-paced too, and for parents concerned about safety, there isn’t any voice or text chat so your children won’t be exposed to unwanted commentary from outsiders.
A screenshot of Butter Royale / Image Credit: Mighty Bear Games
A screenshot of Butter Royale / Image Credit: Mighty Bear Games
3. Pokemon Go: I’m sure you’ve walked in a mall or even passed a street corner before the pandemic hit and see people grouped around key spots holding their phones tossing pokeballs. Despite being a relatively “old” game released in 2016, many still play it to this day. With the update that allows players to play from home, the whole family can still work together, catch ‘em all, and fight raids. And once we can go out safely again, this game can encourage some extra exercise to track down gym locations.
Keep the whole family connected on 1 bill
As many of these games are mobile games, having an unlimited mobile internet plan will keep you gaming, streaming, staying safe and talking with your friends and loved ones without any worries.
With the Celcom MEGA Family Line, you can keep up to 3 of your subsidiary lines connected and be on the same Unlimited mobile internet plan for RM40 a month.
Note: To be eligible for the RM40 a month Celcom MEGA Family Line, the primary line will need to be on a Celcom MEGA plan from at least M Pass at RM98 and above.
With RM98/month, the primary line can get Unlimited or Lightning mobile internet, and 3 family lines are eligible for the RM40 Celcom MEGA Family Line.
The Unlimited Family Line will grant the subsidiary lines unlimited mobile internet with up to 5GB of monthly hotspot. So if you’re having spotty home internet, just use your hotspot for uninterrupted gaming or streaming.
As for the LIGHTNING Family Line, the mobile internet does cap at 30GB per month, but you will have a fast, uninterrupted connection, which is perfect for mobile gamers.
Unlimited Family Line
LIGHTNING Family Line
Unlimited internet
30GB of monthly LIGHTNING internet
Free monthly hotspot of 5GB
–
Unlimited calls to all networks
Unlimited calls to all networks
RM 0.20 per SMS to all networks
RM 0.20 per SMS to all networks
Monthly commitment of RM40 per line
Monthly commitment of RM40 per line
What the subsidiary lines can get. Note that the unlimited internet under the family line is capped at 6Mbps.
The Celcom MEGA Family Line is customisable too. So if one of the family members needs a LIGHTNING Pass instead, you can opt to do so, while the rest continue on with the Unlimited Pass for their Netflix binges.
If everyone is on the Unlimited Family Line, then no one has to worry about running out of data in the middle of the week.
At the end of the month, the primary line with 3 subsidiary lines will only have to pay RM98 + RM40 + RM40 + RM40 = RM218. You can get unlimited mobile internet, unlimited calls to all networks and more. This can be a more affordable deal compared to getting everyone on their own line.
For more information on Celcom MEGA Family Line click here.
Read up on the FAQs of the plan here.
Read up on what we’ve written about Celcom in the past here.
Featured Image Credit: Media Prima / AppXplore / 7th Beat Games
"
}
["summary"]=>
string(88) "[This is a sponsored article with Celcom.] With the pandemic still raging on, many of..."
["atom_content"]=>
string(15976) "
[This is a sponsored article with Celcom.]
With the pandemic still raging on, many of us are staying put at home, whether it’s to work, study, or play. Some families have found this as an opportune time to bond together through activities and games.
If you’re on the lookout for games to play together with your kids or friends, we have compiled a few that are locally made, so you can #sapotlokal while having fun at home.
A Note From The Sponsor: To help with gaming smoothly together and to #StayConnected, users under the Celcom MEGA Family Line can get Unlimited mobile internet, or 30GB of Lightning mobile internet for RM40 a month. Find out more about the plan at the end of the article.
1. Claw Stars (iOS, Android – Free)
In Claw Stars, you play as a sentient hamster on a quest to save some of your fellow animals. As you can guess from the screenshots, it operates similar to other claw games you see in the arcade. Move the claw left or right, and click a button to grab the prizes below.
Use the claw to get the prizes below / Image Credit: Vulcan Post
Once you finish upgrading the habitat, you can then move on to a new planet / Image Credit: Vulcan Post
Another player captured one of my animals / Image Credit: Vulcan Post
But instead of stuffed toys, what you get from the prizes are gems, coins, animals and so on. The coins can be used to build better habitats for the animals you save from the claw (think of yourself as the claw saving the aliens from Toy Story). Once you finish building a habitat, you’ll then move on to a new planet, saving a host of other animals.
However, that’s not the only interesting gameplay. Some of the prizes from the claw allow you to kidnap animals or block the habitats of other players. A kidnapped animal will give you coins, and the player whose animals are kidnapped will need to pay a ransom to release them.
So if you have a few friends or family added to the game, you can play against each other and see who can be the better space hamster. The game is developed by AppXplore, and we’ve reviewed some of their games in the past too.
2. Agent Ali: Agents’ Arena (iOS, Android – Free)
In Ejen Ali: Agents’ Arena, you can play as your favourite agent from the animated series in a 3v3 MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena), similar to games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Arena of Valor and Vainglory.
Gameplay of Alicia: Video Credit: Rio Favian on Youtube
Every agent has their own skills and attributes too. Like other MOBAs, your goal is to fight against the other team and hold control points. The more control points you hold, the more score you get. The game ends when a team scores a 100, or when the timer runs out.
If you’re a fan of Ejen Ali and have played MOBAs in the past, it’s a no-fuss game that can be played with or against friends and family. The game is developed by Common Extract, and published by Media Prima.
3. Eximius: Seize The Frontline (PC/Steam – RM51)
For families with slightly older children, Eximius: Seize The Frontline is a mixed genre PC game, combining both elements of RTS (Real-time strategy) and FPS (first-person shooter) in a single game. It is developed by Ammobox Studios, another local game studio.
Rushing to a control point / Image Credit: Vulcan Post
The game in RTS mode, where you can deploy units and build up the base / Image Credit: Vulcan Post
In Eximius, you play as one of the Officers of the two military factions in the game. The Officer mainly experiences the game in FPS: running, gunning and securing control points. The RTS genre of the game only comes in when you’re selected as the Commander for that round, allowing you to place buildings, build units and call for help to assist your team to victory.
Multiplayer-wise, you can create your own lobby to play with family or friends, or fight against bots and other players. You can read our review here for a more in-depth look on the game.
4. Rhythm Doctor (PC/Steam – RM33)
Unlike most games in this list where it’s all just non-stop action, Rhythm Doctor puts you in the shoes of a hospital intern, in charge of a new medical process. As the name suggests, Rhythm Doctor is a rhythm game, and can be played with just a click of a button. But don’t be deceived. The game can get hard so don’t expect it to be a cakewalk.
One of the songs from the game, you need to tap the button on the 7th beat / Video Credit: BluPen
There’s a wide variety of music genres in the game, ranging from fast-paced EDM to chill beats. Multiplayer-wise, the game allows you to tackle the stories together in co-op mode, or challenge each other via multiplayer battle. The game is developed by 7th Beat Games.
Honourable Mentions
While these games are not made locally or new, we’re including them here as potential suggestions for family-friendly fun. Your children are probably already obsessed with Roblox, but here are other alternatives that you can enjoy with them.
Active Arcade: While most of the games listed are ones you can play sitting down, Active Arcade gamifies the exercise experience. You’ll do things like hop and reach for boxes, use your arms for Whack-A-Mole, and squats, without the need for extra equipment—just make sure you have space to move. The game also has a 2-player mode where you and your friends and family can play beside each other.
You’ll have to move around quite a lot / Image Credit: NEX Lab
2. Butter Royale: Butter Royale is a Battle Royale game, but with a kitchen-y twist added to it. The game is only available on Apple Arcade, but if you’ve subscribed to it, this is worth picking up. The characters are cute, it’s full of puns, and even comes with a fan-favourite announcer aptly named Cesar Salads who makes corny jokes. The gameplay is fast-paced too, and for parents concerned about safety, there isn’t any voice or text chat so your children won’t be exposed to unwanted commentary from outsiders.
A screenshot of Butter Royale / Image Credit: Mighty Bear Games
A screenshot of Butter Royale / Image Credit: Mighty Bear Games
3. Pokemon Go: I’m sure you’ve walked in a mall or even passed a street corner before the pandemic hit and see people grouped around key spots holding their phones tossing pokeballs. Despite being a relatively “old” game released in 2016, many still play it to this day. With the update that allows players to play from home, the whole family can still work together, catch ‘em all, and fight raids. And once we can go out safely again, this game can encourage some extra exercise to track down gym locations.
Keep the whole family connected on 1 bill
As many of these games are mobile games, having an unlimited mobile internet plan will keep you gaming, streaming, staying safe and talking with your friends and loved ones without any worries.
With the Celcom MEGA Family Line, you can keep up to 3 of your subsidiary lines connected and be on the same Unlimited mobile internet plan for RM40 a month.
Note: To be eligible for the RM40 a month Celcom MEGA Family Line, the primary line will need to be on a Celcom MEGA plan from at least M Pass at RM98 and above.
With RM98/month, the primary line can get Unlimited or Lightning mobile internet, and 3 family lines are eligible for the RM40 Celcom MEGA Family Line.
The Unlimited Family Line will grant the subsidiary lines unlimited mobile internet with up to 5GB of monthly hotspot. So if you’re having spotty home internet, just use your hotspot for uninterrupted gaming or streaming.
As for the LIGHTNING Family Line, the mobile internet does cap at 30GB per month, but you will have a fast, uninterrupted connection, which is perfect for mobile gamers.
Unlimited Family Line
LIGHTNING Family Line
Unlimited internet
30GB of monthly LIGHTNING internet
Free monthly hotspot of 5GB
–
Unlimited calls to all networks
Unlimited calls to all networks
RM 0.20 per SMS to all networks
RM 0.20 per SMS to all networks
Monthly commitment of RM40 per line
Monthly commitment of RM40 per line
What the subsidiary lines can get. Note that the unlimited internet under the family line is capped at 6Mbps.
The Celcom MEGA Family Line is customisable too. So if one of the family members needs a LIGHTNING Pass instead, you can opt to do so, while the rest continue on with the Unlimited Pass for their Netflix binges.
If everyone is on the Unlimited Family Line, then no one has to worry about running out of data in the middle of the week.
At the end of the month, the primary line with 3 subsidiary lines will only have to pay RM98 + RM40 + RM40 + RM40 = RM218. You can get unlimited mobile internet, unlimited calls to all networks and more. This can be a more affordable deal compared to getting everyone on their own line.
For more information on Celcom MEGA Family Line click here.
Read up on the FAQs of the plan here.
Read up on what we’ve written about Celcom in the past here.
Featured Image Credit: Media Prima / AppXplore / 7th Beat Games
"
["date_timestamp"]=>
int(1628219892)
}
[9]=>
array(11) {
["title"]=>
string(69) "Recipe ideas: pepper, fruit (or vegetable) of the sun for all tastes!"
["link"]=>
string(111) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/recipe-ideas-pepper-fruit-or-vegetable-of-the-sun-for-all-tastes/"
["dc"]=>
array(1) {
["creator"]=>
string(14) "Peter Crossley"
}
["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Fri, 06 Aug 2021 03:04:25 +0000"
["category"]=>
string(49) "LifestylefruitIdeaspepperRecipesuntastesVegetable"
["guid"]=>
string(111) "https://happynewbaby.com/lifestyle/2021/08/06/recipe-ideas-pepper-fruit-or-vegetable-of-the-sun-for-all-tastes/"
["description"]=>
string(69) "By APEI news agency Published on 5 August 21 at 12: 19 News See my..."
["content"]=>
array(1) {
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string(4515) "
Always green, the pepper does not change color until it is ripe. It’s a fruit vegetable, like the tomato. It is also called ” mild red pepper Because they are cousins.
The most common on the stalls is the short, thick-fleshed pepper. We like to use it for stuffing. But the pepper is also a matter of taste. Green is often the strongest and the least digestible. The red is more ripe, sweeter too. Yellow is the sweetest.
From a nutritional standpoint, the pepper only has advantages. He is full of water, vitamins B9 and C and contains a lot of fiber. Fruit (or vegetable) of the sun, it is found a lot in the mediterranean cuisine, Spain is also the leading European producer of peppers.
Choose it and cook it
The pepper must be firm, shiny (sign of freshness) and not present any roughness or bruising. If your stomach can take it, the pepper cru is very refreshing in summer. Baked then cooled is another delicious option.
The skin of the pepper contains a lot of fiber, you can remove it by choosing to peel it raw with a kitchen peeler or by roasting your peppers in the oven, just take them out of the oven and slide them for a few minutes in a freezer bag, the skin will come off easily. Another technique is very hot water followed by a bath in very cold water.
Tians, soups, cakes … the choice is yours
Done gazpacho with tomatoes, cucumbers and red peppers. Cook your peppers like a crumble covering them with breadcrumbs and parmesan, add the pepper to your mackerel, tuna or salmon rillettes.
Also play with colors by making tians tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, prepare a tart with three peppers, marinate them and serve them chilled with Provence herbs.
For a nice summer buffet, add the peppers to ricotta mousse or to smoothies with tomatoes, cucumber, basil, mint and a dash of crème fraîche. Ideal after a day at the beach!
Has this article been useful to you? Note that you can follow Actu in the Mon Actu space. In one click, after registration, you will find all the news of your favorite cities and brands.
"
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["summary"]=>
string(69) "By APEI news agency Published on 5 August 21 at 12: 19 News See my..."
["atom_content"]=>
string(4515) "
Always green, the pepper does not change color until it is ripe. It’s a fruit vegetable, like the tomato. It is also called ” mild red pepper Because they are cousins.
The most common on the stalls is the short, thick-fleshed pepper. We like to use it for stuffing. But the pepper is also a matter of taste. Green is often the strongest and the least digestible. The red is more ripe, sweeter too. Yellow is the sweetest.
From a nutritional standpoint, the pepper only has advantages. He is full of water, vitamins B9 and C and contains a lot of fiber. Fruit (or vegetable) of the sun, it is found a lot in the mediterranean cuisine, Spain is also the leading European producer of peppers.
Choose it and cook it
The pepper must be firm, shiny (sign of freshness) and not present any roughness or bruising. If your stomach can take it, the pepper cru is very refreshing in summer. Baked then cooled is another delicious option.
The skin of the pepper contains a lot of fiber, you can remove it by choosing to peel it raw with a kitchen peeler or by roasting your peppers in the oven, just take them out of the oven and slide them for a few minutes in a freezer bag, the skin will come off easily. Another technique is very hot water followed by a bath in very cold water.
Tians, soups, cakes … the choice is yours
Done gazpacho with tomatoes, cucumbers and red peppers. Cook your peppers like a crumble covering them with breadcrumbs and parmesan, add the pepper to your mackerel, tuna or salmon rillettes.
Also play with colors by making tians tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, prepare a tart with three peppers, marinate them and serve them chilled with Provence herbs.
For a nice summer buffet, add the peppers to ricotta mousse or to smoothies with tomatoes, cucumber, basil, mint and a dash of crème fraîche. Ideal after a day at the beach!
Has this article been useful to you? Note that you can follow Actu in the Mon Actu space. In one click, after registration, you will find all the news of your favorite cities and brands.