Apps to Make Life Easier

Travel apps currently on my phone.

I love to see what apps people use to make life easier.  Some of my current favorites include apps for health-related issues, shopping, dining, and traveling.  Going through my cell phone, I chose the ones that are the most useful for me today.  Many you will know and maybe even use, while some will be new.  Either way, take a look and see if any of my selections are useful to you.  As always, please leave a note in the comments section at the end of this blog to share your own favorite sites. Please note, I DO NOT receive money for these suggestions.

Audible - When you travel as much as I do, this audiobook subscription service pays for itself quickly.  Their catalog is voluminous, offering a wide range of selections from self-help to science fiction.  When selecting a book, make sure to read the reviews about the reader.  Some books are great, but the readers are terrible and might put you to sleep while driving.  Remember to download the books before you set out to enjoy a seamless listening experience on the road.

Chairish - Chairish is a furniture and homegoods site selling both new and used items. Similar to eBay, people sign up to sell their items online. Sellers can be antique dealers, private individuals, or something in betweeen. I have purchased entire 1950's barware sets and two fantastic swivel chairs from this site. You don't need the app but it certainly helps when you are looking for something quickly. Be careful, they can send a lot of emails unless you opt-out of them.

Fitness Apps - There are so many of them out there that it can be tough to choose one.  Currently, I use both MyFitnessPal and Peloton.

Peloton is more than just a stationary bike workout.  They have yoga, strength, running, and walking classes to choose from as well.  For $24 per month, you have unlimited access to all that they offer.   

MyFitnessPal is great if you want basic calorie and macro tracking.  I find that keeping a food log helps me understand what I am missing in my diet.  For instance, I thought I was getting plenty of protein, but actually, I am not, which results in me feeling run down.  MyFitnessPal is free with ads, or for $79 a year, you can get the ad-free version, which also includes meal planning advice.

Goodreads - If you are looking for a book to read or listen to, this is the place to find all the reviews you could ever want.  My favorite part of Goodreads is that you can use it to keep track of books you are currently reading, want to read, or have finished.  They offer yearly reading challenges that you can set for yourself, as well as the opportunity to follow friends and authors.  Several of my friends use this feature, and I love seeing what is on their bookshelves.  This is a free service.

Hotel Loyalty Programs - The two I use the most are Marriott’s Bonvoy and Hilton’s Honors programs.  You are not required to use the app to join their loyalty programs.  I really like the Bonvoy app because they have the ability to easily search for pet friendly hotels.  Since we travel almost everywhere with our dogs, I can always find a place across the country where Maisie and Winston can stay.  Consider signing up for a loyalty program regardless of the amount of travel you do. Building up loyalty points is also useful for things like late checkout. 

JustWatch - This site will tell your where to find the television show or movie you are looking for online.  JustWatch also breaks down if the program is free, has a rental charge, or is not streaming yet.  If you are looking for something to watch, they also list what is ‘going viral’ along with the most popular shows streaming on select services.  There is no charge to use this service.

Merlin Bird ID - Created by Cornell Lab, this app allows bird lovers around the world to identify birds by sound and photo.  After installing the app, users are asked to download to their phones the areas of the world they want to track.  Once the information is on your phone, you do not need WiFi for identification.  Merlin Bird ID allows you to record the sounds of birds around you and it will identify the sounds they hear.  I use the pre-recorded bird calls to locate birds near me and love when they fly nearer to investigate where the sound is coming from.  You can also take a photo and submit it to the database on your phone, and it will give you likely matches.

PictureThis - After you discover the birds around you, pull up PictureThis and see what the vegetation is nearby.  Some people find that this app doesn’t give the most accurate plant information, but if you are just curious about what you are seeing, I think this site is just fine. Sadly, you need to have an internet connection to use this, which is disappointing.

Rover - This site allows you to search for pet sitters and dog walkers wherever you are.  For the most part, we have never had an issue with the sitters we find through Rover.  Rover sitters offer many options of service.  They will stay in your home with your pet, you can have your pet sleep with them, or you can have them just stop by to feed, visit, or go on a walk.  Sitters list if they have animals in their home, how many additional animals they will take, and if they accept animals from more than one family at a time.  If you cannot find daycare where you live, you might find a Rover sitter willing to watch your dog while you work.

Sniffspot - Maisie and Winston love this app!  If you want to let your dog off-leash but don’t like dog parks, Sniffspot offers private yards rented by owners.  Most Sniffspots are between a quarter and half an acre of fenced yard with no other dogs present.  There frequently are toys to play with, chairs for humans, and in summer, we even find the occasional wading pool.  If you have a reactive dog, a puppy, or want to host a doggy playdate, Sniffspot is the way to go.  Costs vary based on the owner but usually range from $5 - $15 for an hour.  Discounts apply for additional dogs.

Spotify - This is for music lovers everywhere.  You can download music, create playlists, and even follow your favorite musician.  If you have Bluetooth speakers, you can play your music easily.  Spotify is accesable for free with ads, but the Premium plans eliminate ads and allow users to download music for those times when there is no WiFi.  There are a range of premium plans to choose from, including individual, family, and student options.  Never worry about music for your next party or event when you have Spotify.

ThredUp - This is an online consignment mecca for gently used women's clothing and accessories. It's not as fancy as Rent The Runway, but the deals are real, and they allow you to return items that you don't love or don't fit. My problem with Poshmark, another similar site, is that once you buy it, you are stuck with it. ThredUp labels if the clothing is new with tags, or has signs of wear. They likely throw out more clothing than they accept as consignment because they want to build our trust. My entire outfit for Nautical Night on the Angelique came from ThredUp.

Yelp - I first used this app for locating restaurants but now use it to find plumbers, roofers, and mechanics as well.  Yelp consists of user reviews, which means they are subject to interpretation.  If the majority of the restaurant reviews are positive, I will believe them.  While searching for repair people, I pay more attention to the individual reviews and see when they were written.  Yelp offers readers the option to have technicians reach out to you, but I never use this service.  Don’t underestimate Yelp’s reach.  Remote areas of the U.S. have some great small places to have a burger or even eat an Elk steak.

To find out more information on any of these suggestions, simply tap on their name above, and it will take you to their page. Thanks for taking the time to read this and have a great week.