Apps that Matter Most

Minimalism.

Ahhh the clean lines, white space, no extra fluff. Just looking at that clean, straight-forward word makes my heart and inner OCD very, very happy.

I mention minimalism because it's been a new focus of mine lately and it's about to effect this post. While I was going to write a big long list of all the cool apps that make mom life amazing, instead I'm going to declutter my phone and my list.

If I were to declutter my phone which apps would stay? What is essential? These 5 are apps that I use every day to make my mom-life better.

1.Baby Feed Timer

While we've passed the nursing stage, this app was so important to my every day during that time that it makes the list. Baby Feed Timer does exactly what you expect--it tracks your feedings. You just click the timer to start, pause if baby pauses, and stop when baby is done. It will record the "when," "which side," and "how long" of each feeding, and track trends as well. You can also track how often you pump, bottle feeding, change a diaper, and when baby poops, pees, and sleeps. And you can note irregularities or important details to any of these things. It also syncs with your spouse's phone so all of your data is gathered in one place. Amazing! There are a lot of nursing apps out there and use what you will...but USE ONE! Definitely worth having.

2. Chatbooks

While I don't actually use the Chatbooks app daily, I do take pictures of my baby daily, and I want those pictures to go somewhere other than "The Cloud." Chatbooks syncs up with your Instagram account (or you can upload from Facebook or your phone) to create beautiful and, dare I say it, minimalistic photo albums. I've created a separate Instagram account for my baby for exactly this purpose---stress free scrapbooking! For 10 dollars. TEN STINKIN' BUCKS! Goodbye stickers and glue, and HELLOOOO to easy, inexpensive, not messy scrapbooking. "TAKE MY MONEY!"

3. Podcasts/Audible/Overdrive, etc.

The Podcast App is an app that just comes with your phone so some may not think it's that fantastic, but people... PEOPLE. Podcasts, people. If you have not jumped on the bandwagon yet I suggest you start listening. This is how I get true brain stimulation during the day when the next closest thing is "The Pout Pout Fish." <---Actually a pretty great children's book, but that's beside the point. In the same category as Podcasts are apps like Audible or Overdrive where you can download audiobooks and save your brain from shriveling. Now go on a walk with baby and get your listening on.

Podcasts I Love: Power of Moms radio, Bold New Mom, Ted Talks, The Minimalists...and so many more! Shoutout to Extra Guac and Ready, Set, Go! -- if you like creativity, laughing, and overall happiness, you'll love 'em.

4. Fitbit/Garmin/MyFitnessPal/Any other health tracking app

Again...might not seem like an earth-shattering suggestion. But really, being active keeps me SANE. Even if it's just getting out for a walk, I feel like I can better take care of baby if I'm taking care of my body. And sometimes the only thing that gets me going is checking my steps. For example, say it's 2:00 PM and I see that I've only walked 300 steps. (Not that that's ever happened...) You better believe I'm throwing a dance party with Annie or taking her for a walk or SOMETHING. Many of these fitness apps (and ANY will do!) allow you to track your food, sleeping, goals, etc. Having something to track my progress and keep me accountable helps me be a better mom. This app stays.

BTW all iPhone 6's and above act as fitness trackers! Just download the Fitbit app and stick your phone in your pocket...it will track your steps for you.

Marco Polo

Guys. Marco Polo has CHANGED MY LIFE! This is no exaggeration. My life and happiness level are literally different thanks to this app. No, this is not a paid testimonial. This is just #TRUTH! Being a stay-at-home mom with one kid, no young mom neighbors, and no car most days...life can get a little monotonous and lonely. Marco Polo, which is essentially a live video-text app, has opened a whole new world to me. A world where I can talk to adults, my FRIENDS, at any point during the day. I know I could call, FaceTime, text, send a snapchat, etc...but often those things have to be done at a certain time that may be inconvenient for me and baby, or don't allow face-to face interaction. Marco Polo does. I can watch my friends videos--videos of them in real life just doing their own mom thing, and then when I have a moment of non-chaos I can respond on my own time. I feel like I have my friends back! Women I love but see only occasionally are now my adult conversation during the day. When I say game changer I mean, LIFE changer!

That's it! My top 5 essential apps for moms. Your list might look different than mine, and that's totally ok. In fact, I'd like to know--WHAT"S ON YOUR LIST?

Now excuse me while I go delete some apps that are cramping my purpose-driven style.

#Apps #Minimalism