VIGGLE - FREE STUFF

I recently mentioned here that I got a giftcard for Rent the Runway.  What I didn't tell you is that I got it for free just by watching TV.  Yup - you read that correctly.

An awesome new app called Viggle lets you earn points for watching TV and you can cash those in for gifts at places like Starbucks, Old Navy, Amazon and more.

All you have to do is "check in" when you have a show on (any show) and it will give you points.  Different shows vary in points.  Primetime shows will give you more points than others.  You can also get extra points on some shows by answering questions as you go {Play along with Viggle LIVE!}.  The only catch is that you have to be watching the show in realtime (not DVR) to get the points. 

If you remember to check in every time you have the TV on, you can really rack up the points quickly.

Happy watching -Sarah

FRIDAY FAVORITES

I'm going to (try to) start posting every Friday some of my latest favorite things. Here goes:

Favorite App:

This American Life - a collection of NPR episodes. M and I have gotten hooked for road trips! Definitely try "The Good Ole Boys" and "Georgia Rambler".

Favorite Nail Colour:

I'm Wired - from Sephora by OPI. Just a great bright, almost neon, pink! 

*note - This picture is a screenshot from the Sephora app for iPhone

Favorite Song:

"Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People - do yourself a favor. Check it!

Favorite Technology:

DVR - I don't know how I lived without it for two years. Latest win: got a good nights sleep last night and I'll still be able to watch the Project Runway premiere!

Favorite Max Pic:

Fancy bow tie

Favorite Tweet:

@GwenythPaltrow - "Who do I have to bang to get an advance copy of the new @coldplay album? I mean, really."

TGIF - Sarah

MORE AWESOME APPS

Not long ago, I posted some of my favorite iPhone apps in honor of G (aka G Money).  See the original post here.  I've added to that list and am bringing you More Awesome Apps!  Enjoy:

Starbucks Card - Free - I have a theory that iPhones will eventually replace your whole wallet.  Enter: Starbucks Card app.  Store all of your Starbucks gift cards here and let the barista scan your phone for payment.  *note - don't throw the gift cards away just yet, this is a work in progress.  Not all locations have scanners yet (but use the app to find out which stores do).

Hanging with Friends - $1.99 or Free -  This is Hangman plus Scrabble.  My boyfriend and I are addicted!  You make up the words from pre-determined letters and let your friend guess.  They also get lifelines to help out.  But if you miss five words, you're not hung, you're dropped into HOT LAVA!

The Oregon Trail - $0.99 - You did not misread that.  The game that was a hit in 1990s elementary computer labs across the country is now available on a phone near you!  And yes...you still may ford a river or lose your party members to dysentery.

 Instagram - Free - This is a fun photo app that will turn ordinary pictures into vintage looking works of art.  You can choose from a variety of "washes" to use on your picture and then post them to Facebook or Twitter.  Be careful though, whatever you share can be seen with other Instagram users.  Keep it PG.

Netflix - Free - If you don't have a Netflix subscription this isn't much use to you.  But if you are a member it is awesome!  Stream any Watch Instantly selections directly to your phone.  A must-have for road trips.  Let me suggest the full Arrested Development TV series to start.

 
Kindle for iPhone - Free - We all thought the Kindle would end book sharing but I've found a loophole.  My parents have a Kindle so I've used their amazon account on this app and we can all access the same books!  Anything they download I can read (for free).  :)  Make sure you read The Help before the movie!

Happy Downloading - Sarah

AWESOME APPLE APPS

Okay, enough with the alliteration. :)

One of my best friends, G (or as she asked to be referred to "G Money"), recently received an iPhone for her work and was lost in the wide world of apps.  To help her out, or anyone else looking to spruce up their iPhone, here are my favorite apps:

Words with Friends - $1.99 or Free - If you haven't heard about this app, get out of your cave!  It is Scrabble + Friends = Addiction!  There is a free version, but the extra charge may be worth avoiding the annoying ads.  

Pandora - Free - The best music app.  Personalize your own radio stations based on an artist or song.  If the station isn't what you thought at first, stick with it.  Use the thumps up and down to groom your station to your taste.

 Runner's World SmartCoach - $0.99 - If you're a runner and training for a race, this app is so convenient for a training schedule.  I usually use Hal Higdon's training plans and the SmartCoach seems comparable in scheduling.  Now, please invent an app that will train for me...am I right ladies?

 Stylebook - $3.99 - Who else kept a daily journal of their outfits in middle school and high school?  No one...yeah, me neither.  Well if you did, this is the technological version of that!  Keep track of the clothes in your closet, mark outfits on a calendar, and store inspirational styles all in one place.

 Walgreens - Free - If you ever want to develop pictures from directly from your phone, do that through this app.  I use it every month to easily renew my prescriptions (you can even scan the bar code on your bottle to refill).

 Rains Free Sleepmaker - Free - I had never slept to a sound machine but now if I'm having a restless night, I turn to this.  The same company has other versions, like White Noise and Ocean.  I also like to put this on when my students need some calming down.  They love the natural noise.

What are your go-to apps?

There's an app for that - Sarah