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My Self Portrait Phase Has Yet To Dissipate.
There are some positive outcomes though (regardless of what I may look like)…

The positives:

1.  Learning more about my camera
2.  Learning about myself…

For example:
(a) I do NOT look great in many types of lighting,
(b) I have more wrinkles than I thought I did,
(c) My hair looks better when I have not washed it as long as I don’t zone in on the roots.

3.  Finally, finding new and fantastic apps to hide all the things that I have learned about myself!
Vintique, happens to be ranked very high on my long list of “must have” apps!
The picture below: Unwashed Hair, Barely Any Makeup, Exhausted With A Touch Of … drum roll please… Vintique!
// Starbucks� Double Wall Ceramic Traveler, 12 fl oz

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The Perfect Gift And An App

The perfect gift for any occasion can be found, purchased, and delivered in seconds with GiftGiv. Regardless of how organized you are, an app like GiftGiv is a necessity. GiftGiv helps you remember birthdays and anniversaries for family members, friends and more. By syncing with Facebook and LinkedIn, the app actually searches for a wide array of additional events for everyone in your social network and even alerts you.

Although technology has made socializing more impersonal, it doesn’t mean the personalization needs to go away. By having the ability to acknowledge a special event or moment as it is happening or moments after it happens, the app gives you the ability to show you care on a personal level. GiftGiv offers a wide array of gifts to choose from which can be delivered to someone’s door, office or electronically.

As a businesswoman, GiftGiv is integral in maintaining a good relationship with clients and co-workers. On many occasions, I have found myself on the phone with a client and they mention a special event that recently occurred in their lives. These events range from a child graduating or even the arrival of a new pet. My immediate reaction is to “remember” to send a card or gift. Weeks later, I usually “remember” I “forgot” to send that card or gift. With GiftGiv on my iPhone, I no longer need to “remember,” to send a card or gift, rather, the moment I get off the phone, I simply click a few buttons and a gift is on the way. As a parent and social butterfly, the various reasons to send a gift or acknowledge special occasions are endless. It’s wonderful to finally have an app that helps maintain and build new relationships by getting personal and giving.

GiftGiv is not only a free app, it’s lovely to browse through, and the interface is simple and user friendly. Overall, I think this app is genius and simply perfect!

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Here are the TOP 10 Kid Tested, Mother Approved Math Apps For Kids!!!

Preschool: 15 in 1 Kids Pack Ages: 2-7 This could be one of the best educational apps created to date! With 15 apps, Preschool: 15 In 1 Kids Pack teaches children how to write the alphabets and numbers, sound identification for both, learning to draw freely, animal sounds, months of the year, days of the week, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, 100 words and more. The app even offers two games, Memory match and Hangman. Even more impressive is the price!

JumpStart Preschool Magic of Learning Ages: Preschool More than just a math app for preschoolers, JumpStart Preschool Magic of Learning is one of my favorite apps! The app offers 15 games which not only teach math but numerous educational games for children on the go!

JumpStart Jetpack Ages: 5-9 A fun app for kids with 30 lessons and teaching more than 65 skills for schools! This app offers 3D graphics, Kid friendly instructions and 3 levels of game play! It’s an adventure in an app!

Grandma’s Garden Ages: Toddlers And Preschoolers Counting, matching, letters and shapes are just a few of the things children experience while enjoying this app. Between all the activities, and of course, a spunky granny, this app will have your kids laughing and learning at the same time!

Monkey Math School Sunshine Ages: 3+ A frisky monkey, a beach theme and learning basic math are just the beginning once you delve into this app. Monkey Math School Sunshine is not only a math app, it even teaches pattern recognition, tracing and more!

Rocket Math Ages: 6+ With 56 math missions, your child will never get bored with Rocket Math. This game is all about S-P-E-E-D! Children begin by building their own rocket and take off! With 6 difficulty levels, the app is great for beginners and those looking for a real math challenge!

Counting with the Very Hungry Caterpillar Ages: 2-5 Who doesn’t love the very hungry caterpillar? Eric Carle’s app brings feelings of nostalgia as his book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar was one of my all time favorites to read with my little ones. The app offers 5 levels of beautiful and interactive math games for children. Each level, which consist of counting, vocabulary, quantity, addition and the game, was developed to gradually teach children number skills and more.

Jungle Math Ages: 4-7 Jungle Math is an educational app that teaches your child basic addition and subtraction. Rewards are offered after 5 correct answers. The illustrations alone are enough to keep children wanting to come back. With an easy to use interface and great jungle sounds, this app is not only educational, it’s fun!

Adding Apples HD Ages: 1-3, 4-7 With 3D graphics, learning how to add and subtract, this app has a clever and fun approach to teaching basic math skills! The app teaches children how to count and solve math addition and more. It is visually appealing and teaches in a logical manner. The app encourages children to explore, discover and learn!

Little Digits Ages: 3-7 Simply ingenious! The Little Digits app puts a spin on finger counting. The app teaches addition and subtraction. Children can discover numbers while playing independently as well as allows parents to play along with their children creating a collaborative learning environment. It is truly an app that grows with your child.

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The BEST iPhone Apps…From The Diary Of An App Junkie…

 Dear diary,

I never thought the day would come when I would consider purging my App collection. After my latest find, I believe I am finally ready to quit my hoarding behavior and discard the mass amounts of organizational Apps I have purchased to date.

The reason for my erratic behavior… an organizer that not only looks great, it has integrated all aspects of my life in one spot… my iPhone (and iPad)! The name of this fantastical, incredible and perfect organizer App… drum roll please… Awesome Note (+Todo) (for iPhone)!

So here is the creepy part… I just found out about this app! Somehow, being Awarded with Apple App Store Hall of Fame and Apple iTunes Rewind, this app never came to my attention? Personally, I take offense to that. Someone should have informed me as I truly cannot keep up with everything these days. I am a mother, with a few jobs, a budding career as a writer and have a potential case of OCD… Can you tell I am a little disturbed? Ok, breathe… back to reality now. This app is fantastic and a must have for an organization freak such as myself. Why you should get it… Here is the list…

1. Great colors (I like things that are visually pleasing)
2. Multiple fonts (Again, I like things that are visually pleasing)
3. Ability to take notes – The app even supports tags when taking notes… amazing
4. Events Calendar which integrates with your IOS calendar
5. No internet connection is required
6. Password protection
7. Diary notes… Dear diary…
8. You can attach pictures, maps and more
9. Everything can be emailed from the app
10. Print notes
11. Sync notes
12. Add links and click on the links directly from the app
13. You can even transfer notes, etc. between users
14. The app offers multiple background images
15. Create shopping lists or to-do lists and even email them… Or TEXT them… (yup, you can text from the app too!)

I am sure you don’t need me to go on! This one is a no-brainer! I AM OFFICIALLY IN L♥VE!!! The app is available in both the standard version and the HD version! I purchased the HD version but heard they were both great! The difference = $1.00… You Pick! Awesome Note HD (+To-do/Calendar) Awesome Note (+To-do/Calendar)

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Nick Jr. Draw & Play App

Dora The Explorer Diego Milli The Bubble Guppies  Geo And Bot Of Team Umizoomi

My relationship with Nick Jr. began the moment my little girls started watching television. I quickly got to know each character and found myself singing songs from each show at random times. Sometimes, I even woke up with a Dora song in my head. When the Nickelodeon Mobile Games Team contacted me about Nick Jr. Draw & Play, a new app they released, I was more than happy to download it for my girls! Immediately after downloading the app, I had two excited little girls reaching for my iPad. That very moment, I realized that the app was better suited for my daughter’s to use on their iPod touch (they each have one) to avoid the possibility of an iPad scuffle! Quickly, I ran out of the room to fetch their iPods leaving my iPad with my girls. From the other room, I could hear their voices filled with excitement and accompanied by laughter. Back in the room where my girls were playing, I heard what sounded likefireworks coming from my iPad. The two of them were engrossed with gigantic smiles on their faces. While downloading the Nick Jr. Draw & Play App on each iPod, I sat down, iPad in hand, and my girls next to me. The three of us played the app together and enjoyed every moment of it. Between the incredible animation, amazing effects which can be added to each picture, 60 animated stickers and more, I had a hard time putting down the app to make supper. The Nick Jr. Draw & Play Apphas so many features, it is near impossible to note each one. Instead, I thought I would leave you with each of our favorite aspects of the app so here goes…

Mom – Favorite Features:

• eCards that can be created by children and sent to friends and family members. It doesn’t get more personal than that!
• Features that help jump start your child’s imagination like the picture ideas offered.
• Sharing features through email and Facebook. It’s so much fun to send a little something from the girls to their dad or grandparents when it isn’t expected.

Talia (age 6) – Favorite Features:

• The Fireworks!!!
• The effects she can add to her pictures.
• The various brushes that can be used with her drawings.
• Anything to do with the Bubble Guppies!

Julia (age 4) – Favorite Features:

• Stickers, stickers and more stickers!
• The splatter tops! I actually think she wishes she could use splatter tops all over our house…
• The magic wands! Ok, so maybe we all love the magic wands but Julia likes them the most!
• Did I mention stickers???

Nick Jr. Draw & Play Appdefinitely falls into my “Kid Tested, Mother Approved“ list of apps! The app is currently available for download on Apple iTunes! You can even view the official trailer by clicking on this link!

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Top 10 Reading Apps For Kids 

Reading Apps For Kids… With the amount of apps available today, one would think that finding great reading apps for children would be easy. Unfortunately, it isn’t. Over the past few years, I have downloaded at least 50 different apps specifically to help my girls learn to read. Out of the 50 or so, only a few made the cut.

Below are a list of our families “Kid Tested, Mother Approved” apps that not only work, they keep my daughter’s engaged.

Our Top 10 Reading Apps For Kids… in no specific order!

#1 Word Wizard – Talking Movable Alphabet & Spelling Tests for Kids The Word Wizard app is geared towards children who are just learning to read through 5th graders! Talk about an app that grows with your child! Key Points: Learn To Write – Learn To Read – Letter Sounds – Voice Transformer With Speed Tone = FUN – Phonics – Voice Recognition – Hints Available – Colorful Animation And More!

#2 Bob Books #1 – Reading Magic HD If you do not know about the infamous Bob Books, here is your chance to learn more! Bob Books are one of the most talked about books for children who are learning to read! Key Points: Phonics-Based – Interactive – Full-Color Animation – Spelling – Sounding Out Simple Words – Connecting Letters And Sounds – 12 Scenes – Four Game Levels – Simply Fantastic!

#3 Bob Books #2 – Reading Magic HD Another Bob Books app which is a great introduction to reading and phonics! The Bob Books apps are for pre-school children through early elementary readers. Key Points: 12 New Scenes – Phonics – Reading – Animation And More!

 

#4 First Words Deluxe First Words is an amazing app with a fun and interactive approach to teaching letters and words to readers! It is a word-building game which not only helps children learn to read, it even helps them learn to spell. First Words will help your toddler or elementary age child recognize letters and spell words up to 8 letters long! Key Points: 174 Words – Animals – Vehicles – Shapes – Colors – Around The House – Settings Which Allow You To Control The Difficulty For Each Child – Great Games – Rewards For Children And More!

#5 Fish School HD – by Duck Duck Moose The Fish School app is an interactive learning app! The app combines education with imaginationcreating a playful and colorful environment for children to learn in. Fish School is geared towards toddlers, pre-schoolers and early elementary age children. Key Points: Learning Made Fun – Letters – Numbers – The ABC Song – Matching – Differences – Hand Eye Coordination – Mozart – Nursery Rhymes – Creativity And More!

#6 DotToDot numbers & letters DotToDot Numbers & Letters is fantastic! Rather than focus on numbers or letters individually, this app combined the two. What a concept right (insert sarcasm here)? Connecting the dots has been a old favorite for many. Let your children get back to basics by learning how to write their letters while understanding numbers as well! DotToDot Numbers & letters is for childred between 3 and 6 but kind of fun for this mom too! Key Points: Learning Fun – Puzzles – Phonics – Letter Names – Extensive Settings Available – Timers For A Little Competition Between Siblings Or Personal Scores – Rewards For Puzzle Completion And Much More!

#7 Martha Speaks Dog Party If you have not seen Martha Speaks on PBS kids, you are missing out (yes, I mean that for adults too)! Martha Speaks is a witty and educational show with fantastic lessons. Ever since my daughter’s and I first watched the show, we became hooked. Having an App that stars Martha from the TV show makes this app an easy sell initially! Once you delve into it though, it becomes a fan favorite! Key Points: Martha Martha Martha (almost sounds like “Marsha Marsha Marsha” From The Brady Bunch Huh?) – Self-Leveling Game – Builds Listening Skills – Teaches Children How To Take Direction – Introduces Some Fun And Interesting Words Which Are Not Typical Of Early Learning Apps – Balloon-Popping Quiz – Vocabulary – A Doggy Dress Up Game With Pictures That Can Be Saved And More!

#8 Word Wagon HD – by Duck Duck Moose Word Wagon!!! Hop Aboard this app for sure! The educational content offered in Word Wagon is phenominal! The Word Wagon app is simple to understand, has amazing illustrations, fantastic animations and sounds which make this app pretty great! Unlike many apps I have purchased for my children, Word Wagon is one of the few that do not require parental guidance during game play. Word Wagon has 4 levels for Preschool through first graders. The recommended ages are 1-7. Key Points: Letters – Phonics – Words – School Readiness – More Than 100 Words – Play Hide And Seek While Learning – Dress Up Games – Drawing Picture – Talking On The Phone… Did I Mention All Of This Is Done While Your Child Is Learning!

 #9 Montessori Letter Sounds HD – Apprendre l’anglais avec Tam et Tao Montssori Letter Sounds for pre-readers! This is a fantastic app for children who are learning their letters. It is based on the Montessori methos which works in 4 steps. First, “i spy” to play sound games. Second, letter sounds and memorization. Third, bringing the first to steps together with a little mix and match. Fourth, learning to write their first words by sounding them out. Montessori Letter Sounds is yet another fantastic approach to early learning which works! Key Points: A Phonetic Alphabet – A Notebook – A Sandbox For Tracing – An Image Box For Vocabulary – Sensory Learning – Progressive Learning And More!

#10 Phonics Easy Reader 1 HD Phonics Easy Reader offers stories in Rock ‘N Learn phonics! Music, fun, reading and great stories make this app another favorite! The use of sight words, memory words and great stories never grow dull! Key Points: Read To Me – Let Me Try – Sight Words – Memory Building -Great Tunes – Animations That Excite – The Option To Read Yourself And Then Press The Play Back Option For Accuracy – Moving Through Each Story At Your Child’s Pace And More Make This App Another Great Learning Tool!

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WriteRoom App

Not Just For Professional Writers

Interested in what all the hype around the app WriteRoom was, I decided to download it. Once opened, I started this post… only this time, I began my post in WriteRoom and not my website. So, the question is, what is so fantastic about this app? My response… the answer is black and white… nothing and everything. Oddly enough, WriteRoom is one of the most basic apps I have ever used, yet genius. The name of the app says it all. Open the app and start writing. The app has been set up so that you have NO distractions while you write. Whether the spelling is incorrect, or you haven’t decided on a font yet, it just doesn’t matter. All of that can be dealt with at a later time within the app itself.  The idea is to write. That is it! Just write! With the amount of distractions people encounter daily, WriteRoom is the perfect addition for any and every type of writer. Whether college student, business person, reporter or blogger, WriteRoom is a great fit. WriteRoom is one of the few apps to date that may never need an update! Answers to a few questions you may have about WriteRoom… Q: Does it offer a spell check or grammar check? A: Yes Q: Can the spell check or grammar check show while you are writing? A: Yes, but that defeats the purpose of really just writing and letting it flow, doesn’t it? Q: Can you export to PDF directly from WriteRoom? A: Yes Q: Can you actually format in the app itself? A: Yes, they offer a format section where more than just fonts can be changed. Q: Are their different view options? A: Yes, you can view with different scrolling capabilities, there is even a way to have each line you are writing on be highlighted. Q: … A: No more questions and answers please… Just get WriteRoom and start writing. It’s that simple!

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Bizzy Bear Builds A House!

Free Children’s App!  Nosy Crow Has Done It Again!

FREE – Children’s – App – EDUCATIONAL – FUN – INTERACTIVE – TODAY (7/25/12) ONLY!

Great educational Apps are hard to find. Great Educational FREE Children’s Apps, are even harder to find! Today only, Publisher Nosy Crow is offering their interactive app Bizzy Bear Builds A House for FREE. After today, the app will return to its full price of $3.99.

Bizzy Bear Builds A House is an interactive book with child voice-narration, word tracking, amazing animations and full of surprises in each scene. This free children’s app is based on the Bizzy Bear Book Series which includes four additional books. The books are recommended for children ages 2 to 4, although my five year old is enamored by them too. They are perfect for your little ones!

THIS FREE CHILDREN’S APP IS AVAILABLE TODAY AT www.itunes.com/appstore.

          

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The Wonderful World Of Instagram, Apps For Instagram And A New Level Of Social Networking And Social Media!

Posting pictures on Instagram could be my latest obsession! Until yesterday, I didn’t realize I had a number of Instagram followers. Personally, I have no idea why anyone would have followed me on Instagram since I only had 4 pictures posted… Well, to be honest, I forgot I had an account. Yesterday, 5Pm: My friend was showing me pictures on her phone and said… “Don’t you just love Instagram?”… Having forgotten about Instagram, and having little knowledge what all of the fuss over it was, I just nodded. I admit though, her pictures looked great! Yesterday, 9Pm: Intention – Writing. I sat in front of my computer contemplating… to write, or to Instagram…

I started with the search engine… no luck… Oops! I forgot, it was an app!

On to the app store…

Instagram now has apps for a Mac computer!

Ok, so you still cannot upload images from a Mac to Instagram, but who cares? The app was created for an iPhone… Not a computer. The purpose of the app: Make the pictures you take from your cell phone look fantastic!

Next, my iPhone…

Visiting the app store, I realized that I already had the app. I even had an account. A simple upgrade was necessary. Once complete, the fun began! Picture after picture, I created one masterpiece after another (lie… the app created one masterpiece after another). I posted each to Facebook, Twitter and more. A little overkill? Yes, absolutely! The next thing I knew, it was 1:30Am and it was time to call it a night… Bye bye Instagram… Until next time… The world of apps associated with Instagram is so vast, I thought I would include just a few (honestly), of the apps I found!

Instalook - Find Instagram Photos around you

 

InstaHelp - The Unofficial Guide for Instagram

 

PhotoVote - Instagram Challenges

 

MyPad+ for Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

 

Calendagram - Wall calendars from your Instagram photos!

 

Clockstagram

 

Dashr - Instagram & RSS news reader

 

 

Frames for Instagram

 

Insta - Text!

 

InstaClip - Instagram Photo Cropper

 

InstaCollage Pro – Pic Frame & Pic Caption for Instagram FREE

 

InstaCommentor for Instagram

 

InstaFramer - Coolest photo frames ever.

 

InstaFrManager for Instagram

There are even more… I just got tired of cutting and pasting… Enjoy Insta-whatevering away! Next on my list… Adding it to my website! xo

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Elfster – Birthday Presents And More…

http://www.elfster.com/

Description: What was it about Elfster that got me? Two things on this little app made me smile. First, the cute little green and pink picture with the elf, and second, the description which includes the phrase “a party in your pocket”! Hopefully, you are already interested in this “FREE” app. It is your very own wishlist, or your families wishlist, that you can share with anyone. Even better, once you start creating wishlists, you have the ability to view trending gifts and add, share, like or simply view them. You can also choose anything to add to your wishlist by entering a website link and browsing. Can’t find what you really want through a website or would prefer being surprised? Enter a description using text. If you are at the mall and see numerous things you would like to put on your Christmas list or child’s birthday wish list, just scan the bar code directly from Elfster and it will be added to your list. You can now follow your families wish lists and they can follow yours! This little app kicks butt and the colors are oh so girly!

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Fruit Ninja, My Late Night Obsession… Some believe counting sheep will help them sleep.  Others, like me, would rather torture themselves trying to beat their last score on addictive game apps.  My latest rants have included minor issues I have with ageing.  Being vocal about my distaste in ageing is not something I am very shy about.    Realizing my thought process was superficial, I decided I’d try to alter my thinking a bit.  Getting older was out of my control.  I needed a positive approach to this growing old thing… I tried convincing myself that a new gray hair was better than losing all my hair.  Wrinkles were making my face their home because I was likeable.  It was emotionally draining but I was determined not to let growing old (mid 30’s), take a toll on me… Then, yesterday happened… It started like a normal day.  My alarm went off and I hit snooze.  Three snooze buttons later, I yelled for the girls to wake up… I could not help but tap the snooze button one last time before jumping out of bed.  Standing in front of my bathroom mirror, I noticed how tired I looked.  I jumped in the shower assuming it would wake my senses and liven up my appearance.  Unfortunately, things did not go as I thought.  Once out of the shower, I began getting ready and then abruptly stopped.  I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.  Not only did I still look tired, my squeaky clean face somehow looked worse!  That was when I had a rude awakening… Events from the previous night…It was 10:30pm.  I had just planted my behind on our couch.  Danny was watching an awful show once again, so I grabbed my iPad and started browsing.  The browsing session led me to a app I played a few times before called Fruit Ninja.  The game looked inviting so I figured, why not?  One or two games couldn’t hurt, right?  Seven games later, I decided to take a break and get a drink.  Water in hand, I made my way back to the couch and resumed playing.  Around midnight, I had surpassed my high score!  It had been months since I even got close to beating it.  After having my proud moment, and realizing it was past midnight, I decided it was time for bed.  Although exhausted, the adrenalin rush I had from swiping flying fruit had no intention of cooperating with my need for sleep.  For thirty minutes, I laid in my bed and stared at the ceiling.  It was unbearable!  Regardless of my shoulder and arm hurting from the stress of playing Fruit Ninja, I believed I was on a roll and could beat my score once again!  I sat up, resumed playing until my arm and shoulder were numb.  It was 3am.  I had no choice but to throw in the towel and quit.  Although I am aware that my addiction to games has a tendency to monopolize my time here and there, I believe it has reached a new level… Intervention may be required.

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ZillyDilly – An App For Children And Parents In A Digital World…

Our children are growing up in a world of digital media. Understanding the tech world is innate for most of them. This new breed of children are not only tech savvy, they love the latest gadgets and advancements. Innovators and developers are well aware of this and in turn, design new technology with our little ones in mind. Because of their technical abilities, it is no surprise that an iPad and apps are a favorite amongst many.

When my girls were first-born, I used to worry that they would want to watch too much TV. Although they do like watching television, there are other things that interest them much more. My iPad for instance, is a favorite amongst both of my daughters. With the amount of fun apps available for my girls to play and learn from, it is difficult for them to ever get bored. Unfortunately, it also makes it difficult for them to put down the iPad. Recently, I was introduced to a new app called ZillyDilly. Although reluctant to let my girls get their hands on my iPad in the past, ZillyDilly has helped me hand over my favorite device without feeling like it would be abused by my four and five-year old. Ok, so part of it is also knowing that I too, will get to use my iPad sooner than never…

ZillyDilly is an app that has been created by a leading child psychiatrist focused on teaching families about healthy media consumption. The app allows you to build a media plan for each child based on age, interests, time allotted using the iPad and more. The websites that are featured on the app not only engage your child, they promote growth, teach children in a positive manner and are safe. The app is set up so the parent must register and is the first user. Once the parent is set up, they can add children based on age and identify and manage a unique media plan for each child. The media plan incorporates websites the parent would like their child to use. The app alone has a variety of websites to choose from that are geared towards the age and even gender of each child. By doing this and more, parents are able to set up a growth opportunity for each child, monitoring progress and ensuring that they do not overuse or misuse digital media. Although still new to using this app, I genuinely believe that ZillyDilly and I are well on our way to a long and prosperous relationship.

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Parenting Ages And Stages App

The Parenting Ages And Stages App is one that I need to make a point to open more often! Unlike most apps associated with magazines, the Parenting App doesn’t require you to pay for each subscription to read their articles. You even have the option to enter your children’s names, ages, even pictures if you’d like. By doing so, the app groups together articles that may be of interest to you based on your kiddos ages! Great app with great content for any parent!

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GetGlue App – A New And Fun Type Of Social Networking

This app is simply great! I love how it incorporates Facebook, Twitter, my likes, dislikes and gives me the ability to review and share my thoughts! It is also nice to connect with like minds with similar interests! LOVE IT! GET IT! AND… I GET STICKERS! WHO DOESN’T LOVE STICKERS! EVEN AT THE AGE OF 36! View Shivani Cotter’s check-ins on GetGlue 

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Starbucks App – My Caffeine Wake Up Call!

Do you remember the first time you ever went into a Starbucks Coffee Shop? Have you ever been in one? My first time entering a Starbucks was quite a few years ago in the heart of Boston. It was 8:15am on a Tuesday. It was one of the most nerve wracking moments I have ever had. Spring day, not too warm, not too cold, I was dressed just right but sweating profusely. Waiting in line for a few moments outside, I finally made it in. There was another coffee shop I was familiar with around the corner but figured I would do the trendy thing and try the infamous Starbucks! Anyhow, I loved the look of their cups and it was just coffee right??? Boy was I wrong! As soon as the gates of caffeine heaven opened for me, I felt overwhelmed by the energy in there, people asking for an extra hot grande, venti steamed, soy latte’s and the like. For goodness sake… EVERYTHING was customized and I didn’t quite understand what they were… I mean, who knew that if I wanted a coffee with mostly milk, there was something called a Misto (coffee and steamed milk)? The world of coffee was opening up for me but I had no clue what to do with it. Another language for sure… After feeling the need to conquest my Starbucks angst, I made a point to order a Starbucks coffee or tea at every Barnes And Noble Bookstore I went to, simply because there were less people, I would have time to read the menu, make a good decision, and not feel like a fool every time I went in to order. Until I added the Starbucks app, I considered myself a bit of a Starbucks guru spending so much time at Barnes and Noble! Boy was I wrong. The app has opened up a new door for me… The gates of a higher power caffeine Heaven? Yes, it is possible! The amount of customizations available are bar none! The extensive menu Starbucks has cannot be measured by going into their shop… I have now found at least 3 or 4 new favorites to add to my list. Best part, I have a Starbucks card right on my iPhone, through the app, which yields additional discounts for me. My card is scanned from my phone, I can add credit to the card, and don’t even need money when going into the shops to order my coffee, tea, smoothie, or birthday pop (yes, birthday pop, and yes… SO YUMMYYYYY)! Once again, technology has proven itself to me and I LOVE IT!

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Enchanted Meditations App For My Fidget Child

Meet Julia… She is one of the most energetic children I know! She is my 4-year-old and she does NOT know how to sit still. After supper, our girls generally like a warm bath, getting cozy in their pj’s, and lounging on our couches while daddy and I take turns reading to them. Some evenings are just spent talking about our day and enjoying our family time. Once in a while, we even get to watch a tv show before bed. It is supposed to be wind down time for the kids. Now, let’s go back in time… from the moment Julia could walk, and run, she has been non-stop. My husband and I always giggled about our energizer bunny, “AKA Julia”! She would be going for hours and as soon as bed time came, she would run down our hallway, jump into her bed, and by the time we turned the lights out in her room, she would be out cold. The moment we could hear the roosters up the next morning, (not literally), she would be running again. Fast forward to last night. While trying to enjoy a lovely quiet evening following a long weekend, I had the pleasure of snuggling with baby Julia, and watching a movie. Not more than 1 minute into our snuggle time, she started to fidget, losing concentration, and fidget some more… This is typical and expected. Fortunately, I have found something that is finally helping the little one… It is a simple app called “ENCHANTED Meditations for Kids 1″. The app includes 4 enchanted meditation audio tracks, and even a relaxation activity. The audio tracks take your child through a Jellyfish Relaxation adventure, An Underwater Dolphin Ride, a Rainbow Relaxation and even one called The Magic Rainbow. Although every night may not be an “Enchanted” night from an app standpoint, this inexpensive download has helped my little one concentrate, relax, and stop fidgeting quite a bit. I recommend it highly! If you are interested in previewing this app, please click on their website link below: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/enchanted-meditations-for/id490096965?mt=8

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Meet Lilup… A Sweet Bedtime Story App

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/around-the-world-with-lilup/id419075416?mt=8 Description: The perfect bedtime story for your little ones. Lilup is a fluffy white dog who travels around the world. The app is interactive in a sweet peaceful way. The music is gentle. The storyteller’s voice is soothing. Like many book apps, the story can be read to your little one or you may read it. If you do allow for the app to read to your child, the words will be highlighted along the way, thus, creating a learning environment as well. An adorable app for any young child!

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AllRecipes.Com – Fantastic App – Great Easter Recipes Too!

http://www.allrecipes.com Description: A cookbook for all occasions that can also travel with you. Notes: Forget about cookbooks and sifting through pages with no pictures nor any idea of how long it is really going to take you to cook a meal. Now you have a plethora of recipes and other ideas right on your iPhone or iPad. Yesterday, while browsing through the app store, I found a great app called All Recipes. Here is the skinny for you foodies… you have the option of choosing based on occasion, course, time, cuisine, method and ingredient… are you kidding? NO. You can check the featured recipes, get inspired and even create lists or a recipe box. Each one even has ratings. This app is perfect for the entertainer or family chef… some recipes are simple enough even for your kids. I started with the free version of this app but had to purchase the pro version. It is that good

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Grimm’s Red Riding Hood – Fantastic App For Children – Free For Just One Day!
Nothing like a great app, that is a book for my children! Ideal Binary has done it again!

The App is Grimm’s Red Riding Hood. Not just your average INTERACTIVE 3D POP UP BOOK! This is Red Riding Hood! A trend that has yet to stop trending in the world of children’s stories. Each scene in this awesome 28 page book brings the story to life!

Fortunately, for today only, Ideal Binary is offering it to the US for FREE, but, only for today! Tomorrow, the dollar sign and numbers will be added once again in the iTunes store.

You can watch the apps video right here! I did, and loved it, so, I clicked the box that said FREE! It is now installed on my iPad and iPhone ready for my little noodles to watch this evening!

 

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Blogsy – The Bloggers App

Blogsy is an app dedicated to the blogger! This app is nothing short of fantastic! I can blog, tag, categorize, add pictures and choose when I want my post to be published all in one simple app! I can choose between pages, fonts, formats and the like. It is genuinely like having word for my iPad in the blogging world! Clearly, Blogsy has more features than I just mentioned but I want to keep those a mystery so that you purchase this app, download it and have a blast with it. I could write forever simply because of this app and well, having a great iPad case and wireless keyboard helps a bit too!

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Apps For Free From A To Z “A” Is For “Angry Birds

Normally, I would not start with one of the most popular apps available, but, I cannot help myself.  When I first purchased my iPad, I could not understand all the hype that revolved around Angry Birds.  My husband kept telling me I would love it, and I kept stating the opposite.  One random day, my curiosity got the best of me, and, I caved (secretly off course).  I downloaded the free app for fear he would notice the purchase on our bill.  Never did I think I would be hooked.  Unfortunately, it did not take long before I had trouble putting down my device while playing.  Secretly, I would play the game with the sound off, trying to hide my iPad.  Then, one evening, he caught me!  I was so engrossed in the game, I did not notice him standing behind me chuckling.  My secret was out.  I tucked my tail between my legs… bowed my head down… threw up my white flag… and then smiled.  Now, I could purchase the other versions which were not free!  Suggestion… if you have not yet played Angry Birds, and don’t want a fun distraction in your life, don’t play it!

“B” Is For Bump

First Came Bump And Now Bump Pay

One of the first apps I downloaded on my iPhone was Bump.  I was overjoyed to find that instead of having to re-enter contact information for my friends, if they had an iPhone, we could simply Bump, and voila, information exchange at it’s finest! 

Bump developers have gone one step further.  Making things easier for buyers and sellers in today’s market, they released Bump Pay!  Bump pay allows for PayPal transactions strictly through bumping devices together!  Using your existing PayPal account, all you need is your PayPal password in order to send a payment.  Even better, it is free!  Another innovative idea from App developers!

“C” Calorie Counter And Diet Tracker by MyFitnessPal HD

Available on both your iPad and iPhone, this calorie counter is pretty much all-encompassing.  The food database alone is enough to make your head spin.  As a diet tool, it really does work!  Not only is it easy to use, the app even offers a bar code scanner, and it fully syncs on the web.  Get a diet group together for support and you and your friends can track each others progress and help support one another!  Talk about integration!  You have the ability to sync with the web, making logging entries even easier.  Even if you are offline, you can enter information.  The app backs up all of your data for you so you don’t lose it.  Overall, this is truly one of the best free apps I have ever used.  Jump on this one before they start charging!

“D” Draw Something Free

Can you say addictive?  Well, that pretty much sums this app up!  Whether you draw well or not, it makes no difference when you play Draw Something Free.  You have the opportunity to choose pictures that are easy or difficult.  Each yields different points.  A cyber version of an awesome drawing game, where you can pick opponents from cyber space that you do not know, or play your friends!  Integration with networking sites like Facebook are available as well!  Never has a drawing game been so much fun! Draw Something Free is an app you have to try!

“E” Evernote

 

Everyone needs this app!  First, it is free!  Second, this simple app helps you stay organized.  you can type ideas, create to-do lists, share files, record audio, capture photos and more.  The app allows you to organize all of your notes, across all of your devices!  I even have a recipe section saved!  Evernote is simple to use and simply works!

“F” Flashlight

I’m not sure about you, but I cannot remember the last time my power went out and I had my flashlight sitting next to me.  I can remember my power going out and my phone being by my side…  since I am never without it.  Well, now, I don’t have to bump into things looking for my flashlight when the power goes out.  I have one built into my phone!  Enough said. 

“G” Is For Gas Buddy

How often have you driven past a gas station because prices were too high, only to drive back because the prices at the next gas station were even higher? I have… many times! Well, waste gas no longer! With Gas Buddy, you will always know who has the cheapest gas in your area. Gas Buddy has different search capabilities too! You can search by distance and even type of gasoline. Using the app even earns you points so you can win different prizes! The one I saw today was a $250 gas certificate!

“H” Is For Houzz

A great app for remodeling, home decorating or building a house. Thousands of pictures, millions of ideas! Wow! Who knew an app could be this amazing! Here are the basics: First, thousands, as mentioned above, pictures with details of home ideas! You can create your own notebooks, walls, pin-up areas or whatever you want to call them. For each picture, you have the ability to create a note or even click whatever interests you and read exactly what it is or where it’s from! Even the designer/contractor’s information is available. If you are looking to build a home, get some decorating ideas or do any home improvement and you don’t download this app, you’re nuts!

“I” Is For Instapaper

A place for you to store your web clips, articles, and just about anything else when you have the time.  You not only have the option to add articles to instapaper, you can send them to other social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.  Even better, you can browse through what your friends have posted to those sites as well.  Everything you download is offline which means you can read each saved article any time whether you are connected to wi-fi or not.  Instapaper allows you to adjust fonts and more so you can enhance your reading experience.  You can access the app through your iPad, iPhone, desktop, laptop, kindle and even print the articles out.  It is so versatile!  I love this app!  Well worth it and the ease of use makes it even better.

“J” Is For Jetsetter

Jetsetter for iPad Hotels and Exclusive Travel Deals is a beautiful app.  Navigating through this app is so simple, it is fun to browse even when you are not planning your next vacation.  The app offers great ideas for travel, allows you to book your vacation with ease, and even offers access to members-only deals and iPad offers without making you join.  Another great “free” app!

“K” Is For Kindle

One thing I love about the iPhone and iPad is the ability to download apps like the Kindle and download books, etc. on it just like you would an actual Kindle. Although I do love my Kindle, I also love my iPhone and iPad. This app is fantastic because once I have the ability to load my books on all of my wireless devices so that I can read my books on the go, waiting for an appointment and even read to my kiddos when we are out and about. If I forget my Kindle, my iPhone or iPad are surely with me!

“L” Is For Locavore

What is a Locavore? Well, simply put, a Locavore is someone who eats food produced locally or within a certain mile radius. There has been so much media attention regarding what we should eat, what is in season, etc… Locavore takes all the guess-work away for you! It tells you what is in season around you as well as what will be in season and when. You can also check where your favorite items are flourishing at the moment and where those apples you love are most likely coming from! There is no question Locavore is a must have app! The developers even took the app to the next level by providing details about local farmers markets! What’s better than that!

“M” Is For Minds Of Modern Mathematics

An interactive journey telling the story of mathematics through a 1000 year period.  Math has shaped so many different aspects of our world.  This app not only gives us the history of mathematics, you have the opportunity to discover each mathematician through portraits as well as their biographies and more.  Truly an interesting app which even incorporates educational films where genius comes to life!

“N” Is For Netflix

Who doesn’t love Netflix!  The Netflix app great!  Whether on the road or in your home, if you have a Netflix account, you can stream the movies available from the Watch Now feature in Netflix to your iPad, Computer, or iPhone anytime!  Having the luxury of having great movies and tv shows right at your fingertips will keep you busy for hours.

“O” Is For OpenTable

Where else can you make free restaurant reservations at more than 20,000 restaurants?  Only open table can do this for you and enable you to receive dining rewards points.  OpenTable even has a search feature with robust options.  No more calling to check for availability.  Last minute reservations are not a problem either!

“P” Is For Pinterest

Need I say more?  The new hottest social networking site app is free and fun!  Pinterest is not only highly addictive but one of the easiest websites to use.  The Pinterest would keep me busy for hours if I let it.  I now set a timer for myself when using it!  This app is full featured just like the site.  Being free only makes it more fun!

“Q” Is For Quotes Wallpapers & Backgrounds 25,000+

There is nothing better than turning on a wireless device and reading a funny or inspirational quote.  With the Quotes Wallpapers & Backgrounds app you have the opportunity to do just that.  Download the app, pick a quote you love, and add it as your screen saver.  It’s that simple… and free to do!

“R” Is For Real Clear Politics

This app is simply a must for following what is going on in politics.  Covering all of the important issues each day, the app offers commentary, links from all political points, news, poll data and more.  Quite simply, a fantastic app for anyone interested in politics regardless of what party you prefer.

“S” Is For SoundHound

Music Recognition, LiveLyrics, the ability to share on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, and more.  This is another robust app just waiting for you to take advantage of it.  The app even offers artists info for your reading pleasure.  The app opens up by telling you what’s Hot, Most Tweeted, and even what is underplayed.  You can even view your search history.  This app is a must try!

“T” Is For The Lorax HD

I couldn’t help myself here.  This game is simply great!  My girls and I recently went to see The Lorax at the theatre and loved it.  It only seemed fit to download the free app.  The graphics alone are a must see.  Besides that, it’s great for many ages as the game play can get pretty tough!

“U” Is For Uno

Another classic game re-created as an app that is fun to play!  No longer do you need to have a take along bag with card games like Uno while traveling.  App creators have simplified our lives even further by creating apps like Uno.  The game is a blast to play for all ages.  The app allows for multiple players too!  It’s the real game without the mess…  and you never lose a card!

“V” Is For Virtual Zippo Lighter

I could not help myself with this one!  Remember the good old days when ballads were played at your favorite bands concert and the first thing you, and the rest of the crowd did was wave your lighter up in the air, fire burning, while you sang along? Forget your lighters now and praise the Virtual Zippo Lighter app!  Now, when you are at your new favorite band’s concert, click on the app and wave that cell phone of yours way, way, way up in the sky… and sing your heart away!

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