A few weeks ago, someone asked me what my favorite cell phone apps are. Of course, I was like, umm, Instagram? But no, I get what she was asking – you know, the best mobile apps that are off-the-beaten-path and you may not even know exist. Heck, some of these I’ve discovered in the past six months myself.
I started to make a list, and then, my Type A personality dictated I categorize them. So, I’m breaking these down into functional, fun / funny, self care, and photo editing (because let’s face it, I’m a millennial blogger).
Best Mobile Apps: Functional
Task Rabbit
Want someone to run to the grocery store for you? How about to assemble that Ikea hutch you just bought? Task Rabbit allows you to search for background-checked side hustlers who can help with your every random chore. You see a description of the person’s background, how much they charge per hour, and reviews from other Task Rabbit customers. This app was incredibly helpful when I moved to Chicago and I still use it now and again for big projects.
Run Pee
Run Pee is hands down the best app for movie-goers. I can’t believe I didn’t know about Run Pee until this year, but you basically get all this information during a theater movie production so you can tell the best times for a bathroom break without missing anything major. How it works: start the app when the movie starts (it will tell you exactly when to hit start), it will buzz your phone when it’s time to go. On your way back in, it will give you a recap of what you missed. It even shows if there are scenes after the credits that you should stay for. There is a fee to use it, but it’s nominal.
Mr. Number
Mr. Number saves me from so many annoying sales and scam calls. It accesses your phone log and if someone starts calling you from a known scammer, Mr. Number won’t let the call come through. You can also report numbers that make it through so the app gets better over time. Crowdsourcing at its finest.
Nowait
Another new-to-me app – literally from last week in Colorado! It’s essentially call ahead seating, but way better. When you’re thinking about going to brunch, check the app to see how long the wait is. 45 minutes? Get in line and it will give you a suggested time to arrive. You can keep an eye on it and leave to make it on time. Our brunch spot had a 90-minute wait that we sat out in the comfort of home and got to the restaurant just as our name was being called. Be careful, though, it will only hold your table for five minutes. I can’t wait for more restaurants to be on this app!
Best Mobile Apps: Fun / Funny
What the Forecast
Whenever I need a good laugh, I head to What the Forecast to check the weather in the snarkiest, most inappropriate manner. Every day is different and can be customized to how much vulgarity your sensibilities can handle.
Words With Friends
Okay, yeah, 2009 is calling. But, after surgery, I started playing Words With Friends to kill some time and I forgot how addictive it is. Another good game app to play with friends is Ticket To Ride.
Best Mobile Apps: Self Care
Insights Timer
I’ve talked about Insights Timer before, so I won’t overdo it now. It’s hands down the best app for a library of free guided meditations. You can filter by length of time and a few other factors. Here’s a post with my favorite meditations.
AllTrails
I’m including AllTrails in the self-care section because it’s all about getting outside and staying active. It’s a bit difficult to use in Chicago, but it was so helpful in Colorado. You can find nearby hikes, and their distance, difficulty level, elevation gain, etc. Once you’re ready to go, start the app so you can see how far you’ve gone and where you’ll find bathrooms, photo ops, campsites, and more.
Best Mobile Apps: Photo Editing
A Color Story
Instagram filters are so 2015, so I use A Color Story for some fancier filters and photo editing capabilities. I almost always use the same filter for a semi-cohesive feel on my feed.
Touch Retouch
Okay, hands down my best photo editing tool. I don’t need it often, but when I do, it’s serious business. I’m going to show a little before / after example. This gorgeous mosque in Paris has a dip in the middle of its pool … or does it?? In real-life application this can get right of everything you don’t want seen from zits, to weird shadows, to house numbers, to your ex in the background of a photo.
Your turn! What are your favorite phone apps?
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