New Year, New You: Tech and Apps to Crush Your 2025 Resolutions
New Year, New You: Tech and Apps to Crush Your 2025 Resolutions
It’s that time again—new year, new goals, and, let’s be honest, the same old struggle to stick to them. But fear not! In 2025, technology is your ultimate accountability partner. From fitness wearables to smart budgeting apps to wellness tools that make you say, “I actually needed that,” there’s a gadget or app to suit every resolution. Let’s dive into three game-changing tech tools that can help you conquer your fitness, financial, and mental health goals this year.
Step Up with Fitbit Charge 6
When it comes to fitness resolutions, the Fitbit Charge 6 is like that friend who always motivates you to take one more step—but in a way that doesn’t make you want to scream. This sleek wearable doesn’t just count steps; it tracks your heart rate, stress levels, sleep quality, and even gives you personalized workout insights. It’s your go-to gadget for crushing your fitness goals without the guesswork.
Plus, the Fitbit Charge 6 plays nice with other apps like MyFitnessPal and Google Fit, so you can sync all your data for a clearer picture of your health. Oh, and did we mention the guided breathing sessions for stress? You can break a sweat and find your zen—all from the same device. Fitness resolutions? Handled.
Looking to snag this tech for yourself? Click here for a chance to win your very own Fitbit Charge 6 and start crushing your fitness goals today!
Mastering Money with Expense Manager
Budgets are boring—until you meet Expense Manager. This no-frills app is the budgeting tool you didn’t know you needed. It’s like your financial coach that never charges you a dime (literally, it’s 100% free). You can track your income and expenses manually, categorize spending, and even visualize your financial habits with handy graphs and charts.
Don’t let its simplicity fool you—Expense Manager is powerful enough to whip even the messiest finances into shape. Whether you’re saving for a dream vacation or just trying to figure out where all your coffee money goes, this app keeps you in check. Forget about “where did my money go?” moments—Expense Manager has your back.
Find Your Calm with Headspace
Let’s be real: mental health and wellness deserve top billing on your resolution list. That’s where Headspace comes in, offering meditation and mindfulness tools that are as approachable as they are effective. Think guided meditations, sleep stories, and daily reminders to just breathe.
What sets Headspace apart? Its sessions are tailored to every mood and lifestyle. Stressed at work? Try a quick three-minute meditation. Trouble sleeping? Let a calming sleep story, narrated by the likes of Matthew McConaughey, lull you to dreamland. It even has “Move Mode,” blending mindfulness with light physical activity—perfect for clearing your head and stretching your body. It’s self-care made simple, accessible, and actually enjoyable.
Your 2025 Glow-Up Awaits
Resolutions can be daunting, but with the right tech, they’re more achievable than ever. Whether you’re stepping up your fitness with the Fitbit Charge 6, taking control of your budget with Expense Manager, or prioritizing mindfulness with Headspace, 2025 is the year to crush those goals. Technology has your back, and so do we.
So go ahead—embrace the gadgets, download the apps, and let this be the year you actually stick to your resolutions. You’ve got this!
Published: 11:42 am on January 17th, 2025
Digital Detox: How to Unplug and Enjoy the Holidays
Digital Detox: How to Unplug and Enjoy the Holidays
The holidays are a time for relaxation, connection, and indulging in all things cozy—yet, with endless notifications and screen time, it’s easy to get distracted from the magic of the season. If the idea of being glued to a screen while trying to unwind feels all too familiar, a digital detox might just be what’s needed. It’s not about saying goodbye to technology forever; it’s about embracing a balance that lets the holidays feel more present, fun, and stress-free. Here are three easy ways to help unplug and fully enjoy the holiday season.
Set Screen Time Limits (And Actually Stick to Them!)
Endless scrolling through social media and catching up on shows can quickly eat up precious time. Instead of getting lost in the digital vortex, try setting some screen time limits. Tools like Apple’s Screen Time and Android’s Digital Wellbeing allow setting daily limits on apps or blocking them after a certain time. So, when the limit is up, it’s time to focus on something else! Whether it’s reading a book, chatting with family, or enjoying some quiet time, this small step can make a big difference in staying present during the holidays.
Reconnect with Offline Hobbies
Remember those hobbies that didn’t involve a screen? Now’s the time to dive back into them! Whether it’s baking holiday treats, doing a puzzle, knitting a scarf, or finally tackling that DIY project, offline activities are a great way to relax and recharge without technology. Hobbies like these help spark creativity and provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment, all while keeping those devices out of sight and mind.
Create Tech-Free Zones (Goodbye Phones at the Dinner Table!)
A simple but effective way to unplug is by designating tech-free zones in the house. The dinner table is a classic—no phones allowed! This creates a space to truly connect with others and enjoy the moment. Whether it’s a meal with family, a game night with friends, or just a cozy evening, keeping devices out of sight encourages meaningful interaction without the distractions of constant notifications. Let these zones be a reminder to take a break from the digital world and be fully engaged with the people around.
Disconnect to Reconnect with Holiday Season
A digital detox isn’t about cutting out technology entirely; it’s about finding balance and taking back control. By setting screen time limits, creating tech-free zones, rediscovering offline hobbies, and taking time for mindfulness, the holiday season can feel more joyful and less distracted. It’s time to put down the phone, unplug from the digital world, and truly enjoy all the moments that make this time of year so special.
Published: 12:49 pm on December 5th, 2024
Holiday Harmony: Let Smart Calendars Handle the Hustle
Holiday Harmony: Let Smart Calendars Handle the Hustle
The holiday season is here—a time of joy, connection, and let’s face it, a little bit of chaos. From juggling shopping lists to planning gatherings, we often find ourselves balancing endless to-dos alongside our festive spirit. The good news? Smart calendars and organization boards are here to lighten the load and help us enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed. Digital tools like Trello, Asana, and Microsoft Planner can be your secret allies in managing the holiday hustle, giving you more time to focus on what really matters.
So, if you’re ready to bring a little more holiday harmony into your plans, read on to discover how these tools can keep you organized, calm, and ready for all the season has to offer.
Trello: The Ultimate Holiday Vision Board
Trello is a visually driven platform, perfect for anyone who loves structure with a touch of creativity. Think of it as a virtual bulletin board where you can organize tasks, brainstorm gift ideas, and even design a holiday menu. With Trello, creating a holiday board becomes a fun and visually engaging project. Set up lists for different categories—shopping, recipes, event planning, and travel plans, for instance—and add cards to track each task. Need to share the holiday responsibilities? You can easily add family members or friends to the board and assign them tasks, like picking up party supplies or coordinating family photos.
One of Trello’s strengths is its customizability. You can color-code cards, add deadlines, attach images, and even include links to online shopping sites for easy access. Trello also offers a free version with robust functionality, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to organize their holiday to-dos without extra cost. But for those who want even more power, Trello’s paid plans offer automation features that can turn certain tasks into automatic updates. Imagine having a reminder automatically sent to your partner to buy holiday cards without you lifting a finger!
Asana: All-in-One Holiday Task Master
If you’re looking for an app that combines calendar functionality with project management, Asana is a fantastic choice. This platform allows for in-depth task tracking, so it’s perfect for organizing all the holiday moving parts. Whether it’s setting up a gift-buying timeline, planning a family gathering, or managing holiday travel details, Asana gives you the tools to keep everything in one place. In Asana, you can build a project dedicated to holiday prep, with tasks for each key area, like gift shopping, food prep, and event logistics.
One of Asana’s unique features is its timeline view, which lets you map out tasks over time. Imagine plotting out your holiday to-dos from November through December, with everything laid out visually. It’s a great way to prevent last-minute scrambles and ensure everything stays on track. With its free version, Asana offers plenty for individuals or families needing a holiday organization boost. For those interested in additional features like project milestones, task dependencies, and customizable templates, Asana’s paid version takes organization to the next level.
Microsoft Planner: Seamless Scheduling for the Holiday Hustle
If you’re already using Microsoft Office tools, Microsoft Planner might be your ideal holiday helper. Built with simplicity and integration in mind, Planner lets you create and manage tasks with ease, all within the Office ecosystem. It’s especially handy for families or groups who already use Outlook for scheduling, as Planner syncs directly, helping everyone stay aligned on holiday plans.
Planner operates with an intuitive board format, where you can create “buckets” for each category—shopping, holiday card lists, meal planning, or travel itineraries. You can assign tasks to others, set due dates, and add descriptions or notes for easy collaboration. Planner is accessible on both desktop and mobile, so checking off your holiday shopping list while on the go is a breeze. With Office 365, Planner is included, making it a cost-effective tool if you’re already an Office user. If you’re coordinating with a large family or friend group, Planner’s integration with Microsoft Teams also makes it easy to stay connected and plan together in real-time.
Bringing It All Together for a Festive, Stress-Free Season
With Trello, Asana, and Microsoft Planner, staying organized for the holidays doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Each of these digital tools offers unique features that cater to different styles of organization, so whether you’re a visual planner, a detailed taskmaster, or a fan of seamless integration, there’s a tool for you. Plus, these platforms help you avoid that last-minute scramble, leaving more room for joy, relaxation, and connection during the holiday season.
By using smart calendars and organization boards, you can bring a little more “feel-good” to the holidays—staying ahead of the game, spending more time with loved ones, and truly enjoying all the little moments that make the season special. With a well-planned approach, you can handle the holiday hustle with ease, and embrace every bit of holiday cheer along the way.
Published: 11:23 am on November 15th, 2024
Cybersecurity Awareness: Spooky Threats and How to Avoid Them
Cybersecurity Awareness: Spooky Threats and How to Avoid Them
October brings plenty of thrills and chills, but some of the scariest threats aren’t supernatural—they’re digital. Cybercriminals use a variety of methods to trick you, steal your data, and compromise your devices. Three of the most menacing threats are phishing, malware, and social engineering. Understanding how these attacks work is the first step toward protecting yourself from their sinister grip.
Phishing: Don’t Take the Bait
Phishing is like that charming trick-or-treater at your door—it looks friendly, but behind the mask, it’s after your goodies (aka your personal information). These attacks often come disguised as legit-looking emails or texts from your bank, favorite online store, or even your boss, luring you to click a dodgy link or share sensitive info.
So, how do you avoid getting “phished”? For starters, don’t trust an email just because it has a fancy logo or a super-official-sounding subject line. Hover over links before clicking to make sure they’re the real deal. If you get an email asking you to reset your password or provide account info, go directly to the website (don’t click that shady link). And please, don’t download mysterious attachments from “a long-lost uncle” offering a million dollars. Also, give multi-factor authentication (MFA) a try—it’s like adding a padlock to your digital treasure chest, keeping your stuff safe even if someone swipes your password.
Malware Monsters: Keep the Gremlins Out of Your Gadgets
Malware is the digital version of those little gremlins from old horror movies—it sneaks into your device through downloads, bad links, or sketchy websites, and then causes all sorts of trouble. Whether it’s slowing your computer to a crawl or spying on your every move, malware can seriously ruin your day.
To keep your devices gremlin-free, start by regularly updating your operating system and apps. Those pesky software updates are actually superheroes in disguise, swooping in to patch vulnerabilities that malware might exploit. Don’t forget to install a good antivirus program, and run regular scans to catch anything lurking in the shadows. Be careful where you download things—stick to trusted sites, and if something seems too good to be true (like that “free” software), it probably is. Also, consider using a VPN when you’re on public Wi-Fi; it’s like putting on a digital invisibility cloak, keeping hackers from spying on your connection. And remember to back up your files regularly—because no one wants to be held hostage by ransomware.
Beware the Tricksters: Outsmart Social Engineering Scams
Social engineers are the smooth-talking con artists of the cyber world. Think of them as digital magicians, pulling psychological tricks out of their hats to get you to spill your sensitive info. Whether it’s a fake IT guy asking for your password or a “friend” stuck in an emergency and needing money, these scammers are pros at playing with your emotions and getting you to act fast.
The best way to beat them at their own game? Slow down! Social engineering scams thrive on making you feel rushed or stressed, so if someone asks for sensitive info, take a moment to verify their identity. Call your boss or IT department directly if something feels off—don’t just respond to a random email. Also, keep your social media profiles in check; the less personal info you share publicly, the less ammo a scammer has to craft a believable con. And if someone’s trying to tug at your heartstrings with an urgent request, pause and think before you act. Scammers love playing on emotions, but if you stay cool-headed, you’ll see through their tricks.
Stay Safe Out There!
Novus will never ask for your personal banking details over email. If you are unsure of any emails who say they are from Novus, please call us instead of clicking!
By staying sharp and using these tips, you can dodge the spooky phishing hooks, outsmart malware gremlins, and avoid falling for those smooth-talking social engineering scammers. Keep your wits about you, and the only chills you’ll get this October will be from a good horror movie—not a digital disaster!
Published: 12:28 pm on October 10th, 2024
Tech That Makes the Grade: Back-to-School Picks for 2024
Tech That Makes the Grade: Back-to-School Picks for 2024
It’s that time of year again—back to school! And while it’s always fun to grab fresh notebooks and a shiny new pen, these days, tech is what really gets us excited. From backpacks that do way more than just carry your stuff, to smart notebooks that blend the best of digital and analog, here are some of the coolest tech gadgets for 2024 that’ll make your school year smoother, smarter, and maybe even a little more fun.
Backpacks That Do It All
Backpacks have seriously leveled up. Forget the days when they just lugged your books around. In 2024, a good backpack is like your personal assistant—holding your gear, charging your devices, and even keeping your stuff safe from prying hands.
One of the best picks out there is the Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack. Why? First off, it’s water-resistant. That means when you’re rushing across campus in a downpour, your laptop and notebooks are staying dry. Need to charge your phone on the go? No problem—this bag comes with an external USB charging port, so you can plug into a power bank inside and keep your devices powered up all day long. Plus, it even has a handy headphone port so you can listen to music or podcasts while you’re walking between classes, without tangling up in cords.
This backpack also comes with an anti-theft feature: a fixed passcode lock on the zippers. So when you’re in a crowded space like the library or the subway, you can relax knowing your belongings are locked up tight. The Tzowla isn’t just a bag—it’s a smart, stylish solution to keeping your gear safe and charged all day long.
Take Note: Smart Notebooks for the Modern Student
Notebooks are getting a tech makeover, and they’re a game-changer for students who love the feel of handwriting but need the convenience of digital storage. Enter the world of smart notebooks.
One of the best examples of this tech upgrade is the Amazon Kindle Scribe. More than just an e-reader, the Kindle Scribe lets you write directly on the screen, making it perfect for taking notes in class, annotating textbooks, or even doodling when your mind wanders (it happens!). The screen is large and crisp, so reading and writing feels comfortable, and the stylus makes it feel like you’re writing on paper—but with all the benefits of digital organization.
What’s great about the Kindle Scribe is that you can save everything to the cloud, meaning your notes and scribbles are always accessible, no matter what device you’re using. Forgot your notes at home? No problem, just pull them up on your phone or laptop. It’s the perfect way to stay organized and cut down on the paper clutter.
For the Creatives: Meet the Cricut Explore 3
Calling all art students and DIY enthusiasts—if you’re the kind of student who loves creating, cutting, and crafting, then the Cricut Explore 3 is the perfect addition to your back-to-school arsenal.
The Cricut Explore 3 is a smart cutting machine that’s like having your own mini design studio. Whether you’re working on a project for class, decorating your dorm room, or making personalized gifts for friends, this machine can cut everything from vinyl to leather. And it does it fast—twice as fast as its previous models, in fact! With its wide range of materials and easy-to-use design software, you can create everything from custom t-shirts to intricate paper designs.
Think of it as your creative sidekick, ready to help you bring all your wildest ideas to life. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking to dabble in something new, the Cricut Explore 3 makes it easy to take your creativity to the next level.
In 2024, back-to-school tech is all about working smarter, not harder. From smart backpacks that keep your stuff safe and charged, to notebooks that combine the best of handwriting and digital storage, and creative tools that help you bring your ideas to life, there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re organizing your life, taking better notes, or diving into the world of DIY, these gadgets are here to make the school year a little more awesome.
Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack: https://shorturl.at/cHgsX
Amazon Kindle Scribe: https://shorturl.at/bjFEr
Cricut Explore 3: https://shorturl.at/69fQZ