Beat the Heat: Creative Ways to Stay Cool Without Staying Inside
Beat the Heat: Creative Ways to Stay Cool Without Staying Inside
Summer’s here and the sun is doing its best to turn us into human marshmallows. But don’t worry — you don’t need to hide indoors with the AC blasting to stay cool. There are plenty of fun, fresh, and feel-good ways to beat the heat while still enjoying every ray of sunshine.
Poolside Paradise 🏖️
Whether it’s a community pool, a friend’s backyard oasis, or a public splash pad, nothing screams summer like a refreshing dip. Pack a towel, your favourite floatie (bonus points if it’s shaped like a flamingo), and a waterproof speaker for the ultimate chill session. And hey, pools aren’t just for swimming — they’re for lounging, floating, and maybe even a competitive game of “who can hold their breath the longest.”
Lake Life Love 💦
Lakes are nature’s answer to air conditioning, and they come with unbeatable views. Grab a paddleboard, kayak, or just your best cannonball form and dive in. Don’t forget a picnic basket for post-swim snacks — watermelon tastes 100% better when eaten with your feet in the water. Pro tip: late afternoons at the lake bring cooler breezes and those golden-hour vibes that make every photo look magical.
Frozen Treat Frenzy 🍦
When the sun’s blazing, nothing feels more satisfying than an icy snack. Think popsicles, fruit sorbets, frozen grapes, or even DIY ice cream sandwiches. Take it up a notch by having a “frozen treat taste test” with friends — the weirder the flavours, the better. Warning: brain freeze is highly likely, but 100% worth it.
Shade & Chill 🌳
Not all cooling-off moments need water — sometimes, all you need is a big shady tree and a comfy blanket. Head to a park, set up camp under nature’s umbrella, and enjoy a book, podcast, or nap (because summer naps hit different). Bonus: shade time is the perfect excuse for lazy lounging without a hint of guilt.
Final Splash 💛
Summer’s all about making the most of the sunny days, not running from them. So grab your swimsuit, your favourite frozen snack, and your sense of adventure — the heat doesn’t stand a chance against your cool. Now go make some splash-worthy memories!
Published: 2:06 pm on August 15th, 2025
Tech for Travel: 4 Must-Have Apps and Gadgets for Your Summer Adventures
Got Your Travel Checklist?
Sunshine? Check. Bags packed? Double check. Travel playlist already stuck in your head? Oh yeah. But before you fully flip the switch to vacation mode, let’s talk about the travel tech that’ll save your sanity (and maybe your phone battery) this summer.
From stress-free connectivity to vibe-setting soundtracks, here are four must-have apps and gadgets that deserve a spot on your packing list—because nothing ruins a dreamy adventure like bad Wi-Fi and zero battery.
eSIMs: The Jet Setter’s Secret Weapon
Picture this: you’ve just landed in a new city, heart full of wanderlust, only to realize you have zero service. Cue the panic scroll through overpriced roaming fees. Skip the chaos and grab an eSIM instead.
Apps like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad let you download data plans for over 190 countries—right from your phone. No physical SIM card needed. No awkward airport kiosk run. Just open the app, choose your destination, and boom—you’re online before your luggage even hits the carousel. Whether you’re navigating side streets in Tokyo or checking Google Translate in Lisbon, eSIMs keep you covered (literally).
VPNs: Because Free Wi-Fi is Sketchy (Let’s Be Honest)
We’ve all done it—connected to that suspicious “FreeHotelWiFi123” network because we just had to check our email. But public Wi-Fi is a hacker’s playground, and your data deserves better. That’s where a solid VPN comes in.
With apps like NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN, your connection gets encrypted and secure—even on that questionable airport café network. It also unlocks access to your favourite shows, so you can stream like you never left home. It’s digital peace of mind in your pocket, and let’s be real—nothing ruins a trip like identity theft.
Spotify Blend: Your Road Trip’s Main Character Energy
The only thing worse than a flat tire on a road trip? Fighting over the playlist. Enter Spotify Blend, your musical mediator. This genius feature mashes your taste with your travel buddy’s into one dynamic playlist that updates daily with both your favourites.
It’s the perfect soundtrack for long drives, lazy beach hangs, and those golden hour walks where everything feels cinematic. You’ll discover new tracks, relive old bangers, and probably question some of your friend’s music choices (lovingly, of course). Just download it offline before you go—and let the soundtrack to your summer adventure begin.
Power Bank: Because Dead Phones Don’t Take Cute Photos
It’s all sunshine and Instagram stories until your phone drops to 2%. No maps. No photos. No digital boarding pass. Disaster. That’s why a portable power bank is non-negotiable travel gear. Seriously—don’t leave home without it.
Grab one that’s 10,000mAh or more, with fast-charging and multiple ports so you can charge your phone and your headphones at the same time. Bonus points if it’s slim enough to slide into your tote or beach bag. Whether you’re lost in a market, waiting for your Uber, or trying to capture that perfect sunset snap, your power bank is the real MVP of the trip.
Before You Go…
Download your playlists. Save those offline maps. Charge up your gadgets. And maybe stock up on snacks, because hangry travel is a real thing. With these four feel-good tech essentials, you’re officially prepped for smooth, stress-free, tech-savvy summer travels.
Wherever you’re headed, may your Wi-Fi be strong, your battery full, and your playlists chef’s kiss.
Published: 12:04 pm on July 11th, 2025
TV Just Got a Glow-Up: Meet the New Beam TV+
We Have Exciting News
At Novus, we’ve been working on a lot of feel-good things lately—from community activations to fresh rebrands—but one of the most exciting (and quietly powerful) updates has been happening behind the scenes with how we watch TV. Or rather, how we want to watch it. Say hello to the refreshed and reimagined Beam TV+.
TV That Moves With You
We get it—TV isn’t what it used to be. You’re not always planted on the couch at the same time every day. Sometimes you’re halfway through dinner when you realize your show started 15 minutes ago. Other times you’re out and about, or simply hiding from housemates in the quietest room you can find. That’s why Beam TV+ has evolved to keep up with real life!
With Catch-Up TV, you can scroll back up to 72 hours in the guide and watch select shows you missed. And if you catch a program partway through, Restart TV lets you jump back to the beginning, no rewinding required. Just hit restart and enjoy!
Even better, Beam TV+ now lets you stream on the go with the Beam TV+ app. You can register up to 10 devices and stream on 5 at the same time, so everyone can enjoy their own shows on their own screens—whether you’re at home, on the go, or avoiding another cousin’s slideshow at a family gathering.
Smarter, Simpler, and More You
We’ve added a few smart features to make things even easier—like Voice Control, so you can skip the scrolling and just say what you’re looking for. Whether it’s “play that cooking show I always say I’ll try recipes from” or “tune to the channel with all the reality drama,” Beam’s got you covered.
Not into extra hardware? No problem! You can bring your own device—Beam TV+ works on supported Apple, Android, and Amazon gadgets. But if you prefer a more traditional setup, you can still opt for a set-top box. The choice is yours!
And when it comes to recording, Cloud PVR gives you 50 hours of storage right out of the gate, with easy 50-hour add-ons if you need more. Recordings stick around for up to six months, so you’ve got plenty of time to catch up on that series everyone keeps telling you to watch.
Made to Fit Real Life
Beam TV+ isn’t here to change the way you live—it’s here to fit into it. It’s flexible, intuitive, and a little bit smarter, making it easier to enjoy your favourite shows wherever and whenever you want. We’ve been quietly working on these updates for a while, and we’re so excited for you to try them out.
If you haven’t checked out Beam TV+, consider this your gentle nudge. It’s one of those feel-good upgrades that might not shout for attention, but once you use it, you’ll wonder how you ever watched TV any other way.
Published: 3:22 pm on June 12th, 2025
Behind the Network: Let’s Talk About Identity
A Conversation about Cultural Identity
This Asian Heritage Month, we’re shining a light on the diverse voices that shape our team. In the wake of the Lapu Lapu Festival tragedy in Vancouver, the importance of community and cultural recognition feels especially meaningful. While grief has rippled through many, moments like these call us to pause — to reflect, listen, and honour the strength found in shared stories.
We sat down with three Novus team members — Ivory (She/Her, Taiwanese), Marvin (He/Him, Malaysian), and Roddy (He/Him, Filipino) — to talk about what cultural identity means to them, how it influences the way they work, and what solidarity looks like in moments of hardship.
How has your cultural identity shaped the way you see yourself?
For all three, identity is more than a background — it’s a compass for growth, self-understanding, and connection.
Ivory describes her journey as a child of immigrants:
“Being a child of immigrants has profoundly shaped how I see myself—it continues to do so today. Having immigrated to Canada at a young age, I’ve lived through many evolutions of myself, each shaped by ever-changing social environments that continuously shift my sense of belonging. From childhood, I worked hard to adapt to local language, customs, and cultural references in hopes of avoiding the alienation I so often experienced when we first arrived. But over time, I realized the more I distanced myself from my roots, the more disconnected I felt—especially as my community grew more diverse, inviting me to sit more comfortably in my own heritage.
Today, I see my cultural identity not as a conflict, but a rich and layered story—one that offers me grounding and perspective. It’s a formative part of my foundation, allowing me to approach life with curiosity, empathy, and humility. It also deepens my appreciation for the importance of DEI—not just as a workplace initiative, but as universal daily practices that help people feel seen, safe, and empowered to show up as their unique selves.”
For Marvin, awareness of his cultural roots brought self-compassion:
“Being aware of my cultural identity has helped me become more attuned to the nuances and complexities that exist within and between different cultures. It has taught me that every individual’s path is shaped by a unique set of traditions, values, and lived experiences. Realizing this has made me more understanding toward not only others, but myself. I am trying hard to learn to embrace my own journey without judgment. Instead of dwelling on my perceived shortcomings, I’ve learned to appreciate and value my individuality”.
Roddy’s identity is rooted in the lessons passed down from his parents:
“As a Filipino growing up from immigrant parents, I saw how hard my parents worked to support us. They taught me to work hard and be proud of who I am and where we come from. Watching them overcome challenges with strength and unwavering determination shaped the values I carry with me today — resilience, gratitude, and the importance of staying rooted in my identity”.
How has your identity influenced how you carry yourself at work?
Each team member sees their cultural background as a strength that shapes how they lead, collaborate, and support others.
Ivory reflects on how her lived experience shapes customer and team interactions:
“With all customers, I prioritize creating journeys that are comfortable and productive while being mindful of potential cultural differences that may shape how they seek solutions. And while I’m unable to offer Mandarin-speaking service due to my limited speaking skills, I feel attuned to certain cultural service nuances when assisting customers from backgrounds similar to me. With my team, I look for ways to foster inclusivity and build strong working relationships where collaboration, kindness, and fun times can all co-exist. I believe we do our best work when we consistently feel valued and safe.”
Marvin connects his heritage to a strong sense of excellence:
“My identity has instilled in me the belief that excellence is not limited to any one background, place, or circumstance — it can be cultivated anywhere. This perspective has shaped my approach to work: I show up with determination and the confidence that high standards and meaningful contributions are possible here at work. It drives me to pursue continuous improvement, and when possible, to uplift those around me”.
Roddy sees his leadership role as an opportunity to open doors for others:
“Representation matters. Diversity matters. I am proud that I get the opportunity to be a decision maker here at Novus because I think it’s important that all voices and opinions from all backgrounds should be seen and heard. When different perspectives are welcomed at the table, it leads to stronger ideas, better collaboration, and a more inclusive workplace for everyone”.
What does solidarity and support look like to you — especially in moments of grief or injustice?
The events of the past few weeks reminded us just how vital it is to show up for one another — making this question all the more resonant.
For Ivory, support begins with space and understanding:
“To me, solidarity and support during difficult times can look like holding space for complexity and contradiction and offering presence without asking for performance. As someone who knows what it feels like to have your experience minimized or misunderstood, I know how powerful it is when people are given the dignity to speak their truth and be met with compassion. One of my all-time favourite words is Sonder “the profound feeling of realizing that everyone, including strangers passing in the street, has a life as complex as one’s own, which they are constantly living despite one’s personal lack of awareness of it”. This mindset helps me hold space for others and stay grounded when facing difficult or confusing moments”.
Marvin spoke to the power of empathy in practice:
“Personally, true solidarity begins with respecting the emotional space of others while making it clear that support is available. Grief and injustice affect people in deeply personal and varied ways — I truly believe that there is no one-size-fits-all response.
The most meaningful support often comes from simply being present and attentive. It’s about listening without judgment, observing what someone needs in the moment, and responding with empathy. Sometimes that means stepping back; other times, it means standing beside someone in silence or speaking up when they can’t. Ultimately, solidarity is rooted in compassionate awareness and thoughtful action”.
Roddy reflected on the heartbreak and hope that followed:
“Sadly, the tragic events that unfolded at the Lapu Lapu Festival was a reminder of how fragile and short life is. But it was also a reminder of how coming together as a community in times of grief and uncertainty is so important. The support the Filipino Community has seen has strengthened not only its community but also the city as a whole”.
Carrying Culture Forward
Asian Heritage Month is a time to celebrate stories — not just of cultural pride, but of resilience, reflection, and solidarity. At Novus, we’re grateful to Ivory, Marvin, and Roddy for sharing their perspectives. Their words remind us that identity is not something we leave at the door when we come to work — it’s something we bring with us, something that enriches our teams, our culture, and the communities we serve. This month — and always — we honour the voices behind the network.
Published: 4:16 pm on May 14th, 2025
Spring Clean Your Digital Life: Declutter, Organize, Refresh
Spring Clean Your Digital Life: Declutter, Organize, Refresh
Ah, spring. The season of renewal, fresh air, and finally realizing that maybe—just maybe—you don’t need to keep 12 versions of the same blurry vacation photo. While you’re busy clearing out closets and wiping down shelves, let’s not forget about one of the most chaotic spaces in your life: your digital world. A cluttered inbox, messy desktop, and outdated files aren’t just annoying—they’re holding you back. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you tidy up your tech life with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Step One: Break Up with Your Overstuffed Inbox
Your inbox right now? Probably a disaster. Between the “limited-time offers” from that store you bought one thing from two years ago and the spam that somehow sneaks past the filter, it’s a wonder you can find anything at all. Time to take control. Start by unsubscribing from emails that don’t serve you (we’re looking at you, “Congrats, you’ve won a free cruise” scam). Then, create folders and filters so important messages don’t get lost in the digital void. Finally, hit that archive button like you mean it—because let’s be real, you don’t need to keep every order confirmation you’ve ever received.
Step Two: Your Desktop Is Not a Junk Drawer
If your computer desktop is a chaotic mess of random files, screenshots, and untitled documents, you’re not alone. But let’s change that. First, delete the things you don’t need (yes, including that blurry screenshot of a meme you meant to send three months ago). Next, organize your remaining files into folders with clear labels—no more “FinalFINALversion_2” nonsense. And if you really want to level up? Use cloud storage or an external drive to keep things tidy without taking up space on your device.
Step Three: Declutter Your Phone, Because Storage Is Not Unlimited
Raise your hand if your phone is packed with apps you haven’t opened in months. It happens to the best of us. Do yourself a favor and delete what you don’t use. Not sure where to start? If you can’t remember the last time you tapped on an app, it’s probably safe to say goodbye. Your storage (and your battery life) will thank you.
Next up: photos and videos. If your camera roll is 50% accidental screenshots, 30% blurry pet pictures, and 20% food you meant to post but never did, it’s time for a little cleanup. Sort through your albums, delete duplicates, and move your keepers to cloud storage or an external drive. You don’t need 17 nearly identical shots of your brunch from last summer—pick one and let the rest go.
Step Four: Refresh Your Social Media Presence
Since we’re in cleanup mode, why not give your social media a little refresh? Start by going through your friends and followers list—if you don’t recognize someone or you haven’t interacted in years, it might be time to say goodbye. A quick privacy checkup is also a good idea. Are your settings up to date? Are you still comfortable with what you’re sharing? If your bio still says “Living my best life in 2019,” maybe it’s time for a glow-up.
A Fresh Start Feels Good, Doesn’t It?
Spring cleaning your digital life doesn’t have to be a massive chore. A little effort goes a long way, and by tackling things step by step, you’ll feel more organized, more in control, and maybe even a little lighter. Plus, the next time you go searching for an important file or email, you won’t have to dig through layers of digital clutter to find it. So go ahead—unsubscribe, delete, and refresh. Future you will be very grateful.