Picking The Best Camera For Your 2020 Adventures

Gone are the days when only bloggers and photographers used good cameras and the rest of us relied on our mobile phones. Nowadays, everyone can be found browsing the cameras for sale to capture those special memories.

We all want the same thing: the best camera possible, with the most up to date equipment that will deliver sharp, stunning images. It is that simple. Photography is enjoying a moment thanks to social media and the rise of photoshoots for every occasion from a new baby to marking an engagement.

image credit

So, here are a few tips if you are looking for a good quality camera to record those important memories. Whether you have a big occasion, such as a big family birthday or a wedding next year, a holiday, or you simply want to capture more candid moments amongst your family, here is what to look for in your photography equipment:

First, decide which type of camera you want

Cameras come in so many different forms and sizes. The main thing to consider is what type of photos you are aiming for and how much effort you want to put in to get them.

For example, are you prepared to switch lenses to change the focus and try out different effects? Do you want to learn photography skills along the way? Or, are you hoping for a more simple point and shoot type of camera?

From DSLR cameras to film cameras, instant and mirrorless cameras, there is a wide variety on offer. So, your first task is to research what each of them is and then decide what suits you.

image credit

Think about what you will be using it for

Each family is different. Some like to relax by getting outdoors doing high octane sports and taking adrenaline-pumping action holidays. However, others prefer to stay cozy indoors watching Disney movies and playing board games!

Think about the situations you will be using the camera most of the time and therefore, what you will need from it. For example, you might benefit from an action camera that can get dynamic shots of all of your adventures, if you’re the sporty type.

Consider your budget

Rather than thinking about getting the most expensive camera in the shop because it will make you a better photographer, instead, think about what you want. Look at which features each camera has compared the next one, then think about whether you will use them.

If you are planning to take up photography as a bit of a hobby and learn more about the features as you go, you can see it as an investment buy. It makes it worth looking at cameras with more versatility. However, if you want something simple to use that just has an edge overusing your phone, then you probably don’t need to spend that much on it.

image credit

Weight and fit

Probably the most underrated feature to consider is how much your camera weighs and whether it fits in your hand. If it is heavy and cumbersome, you are less likely to use it, no matter how fancy bells and whistles it is.

However, you will be more inclined to carry it around with you - either at home or on holiday - if it is easier to transport and hold in your hands, while exploring a new place. Therefore, it is worth checking out the dimensions and weight before you buy.

Fact or Fiction: Can Headphones Damage Your Hearing?

Our ears are very complex and yet so unassuming. But when they are not working, you may wonder if there was anything you could have done differently to better impact your quality of hearing. One frequently asked question regarding hearing loss or preventing hearing loss is, can headphones damage hearing? The short answer is yes, but maybe not for the reasons you may think. If you think your hearing has been impacted or damaged by unhealthy listening habits, check out these ITE and BTE hearing devices.

Photo by Wills M from Pexels

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Our ears are designed to handle the sounds of our world, conversations, traffic, animals and natural phenomenon. But sounds that are too loud can damage our hearing. These high volume sounds can last only seconds or can be repeated or prolonged and have the same effect on our hearing. When the delicate structures in the inner ear are damaged, NIHL can be the result.

People of all ages can suffer from NIHL. But those who have jobs or partake in recreational activities that expose them to loud noises are more at risk than others. Those who encounter frequent gunshots, like shooting range employees and hunters, some types of musicians and construction workers are just some people who are at a higher risk of developing NIHL. But protective ear wear can help to reduce the likelihood.

What is Too Loud?

Sound is measured in units called decibels. Sounds that are 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) or below are generally at safe levels and are unlikely to cause hearing problems. But sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. This means that the louder a sound is, less exposure is necessary to do damage or cause NIHL. Your distance from the sound’s origin will also play a role in the impact it has on your hearing. Here are some common sounds we encounter and their volume in decibels.

• Talking 60-70 dBA
• Movie Theaters 74-104 dBA
• Motorcycles and Motorsport Vehicles 80-110 dBA
• Headphones at Max Volume and Concerts 94-110 dBA
• Sirens 110-129 dBA 

  

  image credit

How Hearing Works

Hearing is an amazing and involved process that happens in nanoseconds. First, sound goes into the ear canal and vibrates the eardrum which vibrates three tiny bones. Then, the vibrations become fluid vibrations in the cochlea, causing hair cells to move and open stereocilia so that chemicals can turn those fluid vibrations into the electrical signals our brains translate into sounds we recognize and understand.

Once hair cells are damaged, they cannot be repaired. This damage is what causes NIHL. So, if your headphones are routinely at maximum volume, with prolonged use you can damage your hearing. Because all headphones aren’t created equal, you would need to check the maximum decibel output for your particular make and model.

If you are concerned with hearing loss and how it relates to your headphones or loud noises in general, it is a good idea not to keep your headphone volume up too loud or engage in extremely loud activities too often.

Tips When Shopping Around for Childcare

Working outside the home is common in many parts of the country yet doing so may not necessarily be easy for many households. With many single parents, dual-income households, and other circumstances to work around, accommodating the needs of young children can pose a challenge. However, by finding quality childcare to help fill scheduling gaps, these types of families can have more peace of mind knowing that their little ones are taken care of while they are away for work or simply in need of an extra hand. By understanding the type of factors to consider when on the search for childcare options, it can be easier to get a good fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Photo by Gautam Arora on Unsplash

Child’s Age

First and foremost, a child’s age will quickly rule out some options you have available in your community. Many facilities separate children by age to make group activities that are developmentally appropriate and easy to administer and allows children to interact with their peers during instruction and play. This being the case, it’s recommended that you ensure that the facility you choose caters to children that are your child’s age.

The Ratio of Caregivers to Children

While licensed facilities will need to abide by both federal and state laws, it is good to be aware of the ratio of caregivers to children that a childcare facility has to ensure that your child will get adequate attention for both educational and safety reasons. Additionally, this can give you a good idea of whether or not your prospective caregivers will make the effort to keep current with recommendations set by childcare experts and legislators.

Parent Participation

As the old adage goes, it often takes an entire village to raise children. In a childcare setting, this often means having open communication between educators and parents. This can make it easier to create an optimal environment and consistency for a child that can benefit from learning and overall well-being. It can be helpful to ask about volunteer opportunities, communication methods, and drop-in schedules available for parents who would like to participate more actively.

Waiting List and Enrollment Requirements

Before you allow your heart to get set on a specific childcare option, it’s practical to keep in mind that Little Sunshine's Playhouse and other high-quality facilities may very well have waiting lists of other families who would also like to enroll their children. Before filling out paperwork or researching hours on one childcare option, asking about the waiting list ahead of time can save you time, especially if you have a need for immediate enrollment for a more specific timeline of when you need to have your child start. In addition, it may be recommended that you check any requirements your child must fulfill before even being accepted. For example, immunizations, minimum hours of care that must be paid for are just two common considerations that need to be made as soon as possible.

Photo by Erika Fletcher on Unsplash

Special Needs

If your child has special needs, it is important to check that the childcare options you are considering can provide all the necessary accommodations. For example, children who use wheelchairs or other assistive equipment should be able to easily maneuver around with pathways that are wide enough and ramps that allow access to any elevated areas when necessary. Finding a caregiver that is ADA compliant can be a great start for families with children with special needs. Even something as simple as potty training may be something that families will want to research to ensure that their prospective choices can support whichever stage their child may be in.

Budget

One of the biggest barriers to childcare accessibility is pricing. Some plans for registration fees and other expenses may be easier on the pocketbook for budget-conscious families. For example, some private facilities may be more costly but may also have better features and services that make them worth the investment. In contrast, government programs may be less expensive, but it’s possible that lower rates may result in more crowded spaces or longer waitlists. Some places may require all families to pay the same rate while others may offer special discounts. These discounts can be based on factors such as household income, the number of siblings enrolled in the same program, military status, or memberships.

Type of Facility

It can be very useful to know the different types of childcare facilities that exist so you are aware of all your potential options. Some families may opt to have a private nanny who can supervise children in the family home, provide one-on-one attention to children, and tend to light housekeeping. In contrast, others may prefer the peer socialization opportunities that a larger childcare facility may be able to provide in addition to the convenience of knowing that a team of professionals can tend to children. Additionally, some schools in the community may even offer pre-kindergarten programs that can give young children an earlier start. Although this is a great option, especially for families with an older sibling attending the same school, enrollment opportunities, as well as the length of the school day, may be limited so it’s best to check directly with the schools in your community.

How To Pick An Amazing Swimsuit For A Beach Vacation

It's quite challenging when choosing the right swimwear when you are going on a beach vacation. As exciting as beach vacations are, for some, choosing the right swimsuit can add a little stress. For the benefit of those travelers who want to experience the sands, waves and salt-water fun, the following information can help immensely.

Photo by Link Hoang on Unsplash

Let’s start with the real test! How do you know what’s best for you?

No other garment selection requires so much consideration, as much as a swimsuit does for a woman. To begin with, the design and cut of the swimwear are extremely important. It affects the way it sticks to your body and boosts your beach/poolside confidence.

Decorative components like flounce or a cut-out and a well-placed print play a key role. The most comfortable swimwear is the well-fitted and modest one because it covers most of your body parts, you need not worry about exposing certain areas that you may want to hide. Yet it holds the body together to give you the confidence that makes you enjoy the beach or pool.  Here are some tips to find the best swimsuit before you set out on that vacation of yours;

Shape Matters!

If you can measure the size of your chest, waist, and hip, it is easy to find your body type. The most common body shapes among women are apple, banana, pear, spoon, bell, hourglass-shaped, etc. Of course, the hourglass-shaped body is considered the ideal body shape but the world is a mix and match and not all are supermodels in everyday life!

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

Browse for Options

If you are worried about the apt place to find the apt bathing suit to match your body shape, browsing through some top online options can help. If you want to lay hands on the best bathing outfits, you can try bathing suits from Planet Blue, they have a vast collection of one-piece, bikini tops, bottom with a wide range of fitting from full-coverage to skimpy fit swimsuit styles.

Get a Little Color Conscious

Choosing a bright color and pattern will highlight a body part whereas solid colors will help you hide the unattractive area of your body. For people with pale skin, try choosing black, dark purple, maroon or navy blue. Bright colors will be apt for those with a dark complexion.

Swimsuits Can Create Good Illusions

A high-waist swimsuit with vertical and angled stripes is advantageous to give the illusion of long legs. You will look slim and sexy. Wearing reds will make you look smaller. To add volume to your upper and lower areas, try something with ruffles and hardware detailing. Ruffles will help in adding volume and shirring will hide volume. To hide your waist, the monokini is the best, and tankini will highlight the same. Try picking a boy shorts if you have an hourglass-shaped body.

Let it Complement Your Body

If you are short, the hi-cut bottom will make your legs look slender. Halter-tops will make your bust attractive and bandeau top will make them look wider. To show-off, your figure, try some embellishments like jewels, flowers, sequins, and cut-outs in your swimsuit.

Fabric is Important, Too

If you love going on frequent beach vacations, choose fabrics that will ensure swimsuit longevity. The commonly used strong fabric materials are nylon, neoprene, and lycra. Polyester is the best and most common material used to withstand chlorine and fading. Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) is used in competitive suits for stretchability and it withstands chlorine.

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

Picking the Right One

Pick a top that stays in place while jumping and moving around. Experiment this in the trial sessions, exchange if it doesn’t solve the purpose. Pick a bottom that matches with your hip measurements to feel comfortable and cozy. If you are planning to order a swimsuit online, don't skip to check the size chart and customer reviews regarding the fit and material. Most retailers offer mix and match options to the users to customize their swimsuit according to their size. This will offer much comfort. Buy the appropriate one that fulfills the purpose of your swimsuit. A sexy one-piece or a bikini will be suitable to keep you cool and flattering by the waves, under the umbrella.

Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Ladies, at the end of the day, you live your life only once. Wear something that will help boost your confidence and comfort. Ultimately, it is your self-esteem that pervades and inspires your identity and is projected by your vibes in your personality.

Holiday Gift Idea: FUJIFILM INSTAX mini LiPlay

Have you started buying any gifts for the holidays yet? I have been brainstorming ideas of what to get for my family this year. There are moments where I struggle to think of something different from the usual pajamas, clothes, and beauty products. One thing I do know is you can't ever go wrong with tech gifts, especially since most everything these days is tech-related. Instax has some fun items that are sure to please any gift-recipient.

Have fun on-the-go with FUJIFILM's INSTAX mini LiPlay, the hybrid camera that offers instant print and digital technologies (Retail: $159.95). This camera is super cute and so much fun to use. Charge it up, and insert the instax mini instant film, and you're ready to go!

Just snap your photos and instantly print them out with integrated frames or even sound recording. You can even print directly from your smartphone using the mini LiPlay app. The photos are wallet-sized which is perfect for sharing with friends or family.

It comes with a wrist strap and charging cord. It is so user-friendly, even a kid could use it. My son has been obsessed with taking photos and couldn't wait to take some shots of his favorite subject, our dog!

I can totally see giving this camera as a holiday gift or for a birthday. It is perfect to have at a party where guests can get in a picture with the person of honor and have a photo to take home. There is a nostalgic feeling of having photos develop before your eyes.

Other FUJIFILM items to consider:

Unleash the memories locked away in your smartphone with INSTAX mini Link. Connect the mini instax printer seamlessly over Bluetooth to create fun prints to keep and share with family and friends. (Retail: $99.95)

For those who like big adventure, take your photography to the next-level with the compact FUJIFILM X-A7 mirrorless digital camera . A professional-level camera that takes exceptional images and won't weigh you down on your travels. With an articulating touch-screen, 24.2MP imaging sensor and 4K video recording, users can create amazing content on-the-go. Retailing at $899.00, the FUJIFILM X-A7 with the FUJINON FUJINON XC15-45mmF3.5- 5.6 OIS PZ lens kit is the perfect entry to photography and a great way to capture a trip of a lifetime.

Be sure to follow Instax on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for product updates and promotions.

Thank you Instax for providing the INSTAX mini LiPlay for us to review. All opinions are 100% my own.