
This week, Shaq made a personal revelation that he is a “tech geek” who spends up to $1,000 a week on apps. That made me think a couple things including, “WTF?” and “Oh. Shaquille O’Neal is way better at managing his iCloud than I am.” Even if you don’t have a Kazaam-sized appetite for smartphone add-ons, we have recommendations for a few you have to DL ASAP that won’t break your bank or your cloud.
Rooster: Hey busy person, if you don’t think you could ever find enough time to read, this app is going to help you locate it in those 15 minutes you’re in line at the DMV or on your morning commute. Even those ten (okay, five) in bed before you drift off at night. Rooster serves up installments of shorter reads, recommending what you skim next from current, best-selling authors to curated classics.
Cost: The service is $4.99 a month, but you can request an invite now for a two-week free trial
Couples Counseling & Chatting: Skip the silent treatment next time you’re mad at your boo and download this instead. The relationship app brings couples therapy to you and your mate, putting a therapist with actual advice in your pocket. Get relationship tips and chat with your partner using predefined messages to help you get your point across when you’re having a difficult time doing it the old-fashioned way. The success of an app like this will come down to user experience and the reviews so far are glowing.
Cost: Free for Android, but there are in-app purchases
Heyday: Aw, that journal looked so darn pretty. Too bad you didn’t fill more than the first page. With doodles. And don’t get us started about all those forgotten blogs. What a waste of good domain names! Well, TGF Heyday, which does the journaling for you and puts the APP in ScrAPPbooking (lol) keeping track of the places you go and the pictures you take. Even arranging them into beautiful collages for you to flip through later and add captions IF you want. Aw, thanks, Heyday!
Wonder: What are you in the mood for? Not for dinner tonight, we’re talking the type of virtual, viral soup for your soul or at least your funny bone. Wonder curates videos for you, using a “mood-minder” that asks you what you feel like watching.
Cost: Free for iOS
BucketListly: This brings a social network of bucket lists to your phone so you can share major life achievements you’ve crossed off in real time. Get inspired (or, um, a little jealous) by scoping out what others have on theirs. And like Yelp for true adventurers, you can leave a tip once you make it to the top of Mount Everest or wherever your list leads you.
What is your favorite recent app download? Share below or Tweet it to us @BritandCo & @Brit why don’t ya!
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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