3 Apps that help the mom on the go. February 27 2014

During our recent California trip I was surprised how much I relied on Apps while out with my son. Although I am from Cali I had never ran around and planned events with a child nonetheless MY child. The apps really help with time and the planning of our trip.

With the weather being so brutal (let's be honest) back here in the East I wanted to post 3 apps that I feel are great for the New York mom or the visiting mom. Regardless if you are the most seasoned mom it doesn't hurt to have the bus schedule at your fingertips or know where the nearest park is when you are in a new part of Brooklyn or Queens. If you are a new mom, knowing where a changing table can make you so ecstatic you may kiss the stranger next to you or at the least help make day trips with a baby a bit easier.

Transit App: Know when the next bus or train is coming. The handy easy-to-use trip planner will help you when venturing somewhere new. I especially like this for Brooklyn parents as I haven't really seen an app exclusively for Brooklyn or at least one I like. 

NYC Way: This is such a tourist app which is why I love it. I have to be reminded to get out of our little box and explore everything NY has to offer. i especially like the tabs where you can find the nearest Wifi (kid watch the iphone while you have a latte, conversation?!) and the Street Eats.

Mom Maps:  An app for most popular cities this app is geared towards the parent with child friendly picks and how to get there. An extensive list of parks, playgrounds, restaurants, museums and indoor play areas with reviews by parents. You'll also find parent bloggers and family travel experts with their top picks. 



Photo: New York Everyday

Toca Tailor - Cool App November 14 2012

I’m so surprised I haven’t posted about Toca Boca apps before. We LOVE them at our house! The Toca Kitchen app is still in heavy rotation after almost a year and recently while searching for a dress up app, we saw the Toca Tailor and bought it immediately. Its really fun, easy to use and colorful. Added plus: my daughter loves to have her picture taken with the outfit she’s created as you can see from above.  

I have 4 Toca apps and they’re all fabulous. Lots of creative play ideas for your toddlers. 

Toca Tailor, $1.99 - ITunes Store

App we're loving, Parent and Child Plus August 20 2012

I ran into a friend who is working at Parent and Child magazine by Scholastic. I had never heard of this magazine and still searching where to buy it. Meanwhile, I found their app that works as an addition to the magazine. I found this app to be full of information that touches on parenting, current news and useful tips for home. I especially love the craft ideas, best part? Free!

Apps that get you ready for Back To School August 07 2012

Lil Sugar posted 15 useful apps to help in organizing you for BTS. I cannot wait to use my new favorites (and free!) Pitter Pad and The Snack App. I wished I had the Pitter Pad app today when I bought  pair of shoes for the kiddo that are too big and cannot be returned! With this interactive app you are able to measure your child’s foot on the ipad app and shoe size is calculated so you can bring the info with you or shop online. Brilliant! The Snack app has hundreds of snack recipes that narrow down the recipes to the pickiest eater. Check out all 15 here.

Apps and photos via Lil Sugar

working it out. February 03 2012

I recently realized that the extra weight I’ve been carrying for the past 2 years was not miraculously going to disappear. I joined a gym, I never went. I purchased some fitness applications, they did not hold my interest. I honesty started to try to find a gym that offered classes at 6/7 a.m. The trick was I needed this gym to be very near my apartment so I could still manage to drop off my son at preschool and be at work all by 8:30. I have to take classes for I am lazy and I have to be led and told what to do when I work out, seriously it is the only way I’ll work out and even then my teachers have to threaten me into working out. This is why when my co-worker told me about the Daily Burn I was hesitant to try it. I’ve been pleasantly surprised! Daily Burn will give you a nutrition plan, workout plan, have a trainer check in on you and there are many other features depending on the level of plan you decide to join. I went with the ipad app, I was honest and when I filled out the profile I listed what I can (will) do. To start with I want to do 3 days, no longer then 45 minutes and no equipment. I have to be realistic, I am starting from zero and need to work within my schedule.  I receive up to four videos daily that are cater to my profile. The videos that are usually offered are pilate’s, kick boxing , pilates-cardio and honestly they are amazing workouts. The best part is that I am paying $10 a month for my ‘gym’ membership. I have to admit I am confused on why I cannot find the videos on the website however the offerings seem to be more extensive on the website where the application is more video focus. If you are better at taking in information and following advice and guidelines I say try the website. I also feel if you need to work out everyday yet cannot get to a class or gym everyday this is a great supplement for your weekly fitness plan. If you’re like me, need classes at off times and a visual then do the app if you have the appropriate devices. I’ll keep you updated on my progress, do know I’m not messing around, this body is getting in shape!

Apps! January 20 2012

I just got an iTunes receipt for $8 this morning! Boy did we have a fun at home on Monday! Donna and C came over for a play date and we discovered a new app. All I heard after D&C left was I want this one, I want this one, mooooooooommy this one! Anything for my baby girl; especially if it buys me some time to cook lunch and sweep the floor while baby boy sleeps!
I thought I would share some of my daughters favorite iPad/iPhone apps. Hardly an original post idea but if you’re anything like me, you’re always on the look out for a new cool app:

*Puzzle snakes - Free (Have to upgrade to get all puzzles)
Great app that allows toddlers to do puzzles while skipping the cleaning up process of real puzzles… The puzzles get harder as you go and include numbers and letters. HUGE hit in our house!
*As an addendum; the same company also has a 25 in 1 app you can download to test all their apps. Its an awesome way to see what your child gravitates to.

*Talking Rex/Tom Cat/Princess/Fairy/Parrot/Etc: Free - $24.99
Fun app. The preferred item repeats everything you say. I am quite fond of the Talking Tom Cat and parrot because they are more interactive. My daughter loved them all, so much that I think I bought 6 different ones!
Talking Tom Cat has several versions. We chose this one.
The same company makes the parrot one too.

*Intro to Letters, by Montessorium - $4.99
This app is a great way to introduce drawing letters to your kids. Now that my daughter knows the ABC’s and can easily recognize them, we thought we’d giving drawing them a try. So far so good!

*Ladybug’s Bookshelf - Free; comes with 1 free story. Add’l stories are $1.99+
My aunt sent E a subscription of babybug magazine for her 1st birthday and we LOVE it! Ladybug’s Bookshelf is a great way to keep the fun going. There are a lot of  e-readers out there, but I like that its from Cricket (my grandma always kept our Cricket subscription current)  so we are familiar with the characters and the stories are read by children.

*Zoo Train - $1.99
This is a new one for us but much loved. It has a few different things you can do. Play music, build train tracks & trains, and spell words. Its inexpensive and multifaceted enough to hold their attention. Plus I love hearing my daughter sing all the songs! 

Now if we could only get Frolic to make their interactive screen into an app….

Posted by: Jessica Glorieux
Photo: screamable.com