Apple Cards

 

Apple's Card app is a fun app to download; it's the only card app that lets you design really nice, personalized cards that are tangible and are actually mailed to your chosen address.

Instead of going to the store and buying a good card for around $5 these days, download this cards app to save you time and money. You can also add photos to your card pretty easily.

All your previously designed cards are automatically saved, which makes it easy to send the same card to multiple people (example: an invitation).

And, these cards aren't tacky looking...they're actually really tasteful and I might even prefer them over some store-bought cards. The envelope is really nicely addressed in your font of choice.

The app itself is free, and it's $2.99 to send a card within the U.S. (including postage), and $4.99 overseas.

Try it!

Shazam

If you're like me and listen to the radio racking your brain as to what the song playing might be called, this app is for you. Tap the Shazam app, and it'll actually "listen" to the song and match it with the song title, artist and album.

Shazam even gives you links to purchase the song on iTunes, the artist bio, album art and related YouTube videos. It's accurate, quick and you'll never have to research the name of a song again! Before this app, I'd usually type a verse or two of the song into google....and it was hit or miss whether I'd actually get an accurate answer! Plus this is much faster.

Even when you're in a loud restaurant or club, Shazam picks up the track and delivers. It's FREE!! Very fun app.

Groupon - App Review

If you're looking for local deals in your area on things like concert tickets and restaurants, Groupon is a good app to download. I always go on it to check out the local salon deals. I never really feel like paying for a manicure...who does?! Without fail, I've always gotten manicures at a discount through this app. And, if you refer a friend, you'll get a $10 credit to your account! Why not check Groupon out...who knows what kind of discounts you'll find!

Open Table - Free iPhone App

OpenTable is a MUST HAVE!! A family friend used this app when we were down in Virginia (which we're not familiar with) and we were able to find restaurants with open tables within our entered search range...we booked a table instantly WITHOUT ever calling for a reservation! 

OpenTable is an awesome app; you can make free restaurant reservations at more than 20,000 OpenTable-enabled restaurants. How annoying is it running around from restaurant to restaurant trying to find a free table that's big enough for your party? So, download the app, type in the date, desired time and party size and you'll be able to see the available tables. Also, narrow your results by specifying type of cuisine and price.

On OpenTable, you can view restaurant menus and OpenTable ratings/reviews from others. Become a member and earn reward points each time you book through OpenTable, good for dining money at any OpenTable restaurant. Essentially, OpenTable allows us foodies to cheat on reservations...for example: that other party called 2 days prior to their dinner date for a table. We never picked up the phone, and instead used OpenTable and slid right in instantly!  This is an all around necessary app!

REALSKI

REALSKI is one of the coolest apps I've seen in a while. This past winter break I skied in Utah at the Canyons Resort, and I wish I had known about this then! 

This app allows you to scan surroundings (with your camera!) to find specific lifts and runs on any given mountain. So, when you're lost on a mountain with no idea where you are, instead of using a paper map, use REALSKI to locate the nearest lifts/surroundings. 

You don't even need connection; once you download the map of a given resort to your phone, the iPhone uses its compass, camera and GPS to locate key points. You literally just open your camera, and your surroundings (closest restrooms, lodge, ski trails, ski lifts) will pop up on the REALSKI screen. This is what you call high tech!! I'm super excited to use it next time I ski.

Tired of your lack of motivation? Gain the comfortable confidence that comes with having a personal trainer for just $2.99. This app, cleverly named COUCH TO 5K, allows people of any fitness level to receive customized workout plans to gradually increase their fitness level over a period of 9 weeks. 

It'll coach you through the transition from walking to running, and by the end of the 9 weeks you'll be able to run 30 minutes without stopping, no problem. You can save your progress, and Couch to 5K is compatible with Nike+, meaning it'll correlate with the Nike running chip (speed, calories, distance...etc) all while incorporating your own playlist. Woo! 

This seems to be a top favorite among my older cousins; it's a good get-me-going app to kick you in the butt after taking a break from exercise.