5 iPhone/iPad Apps to Support Your Spirit

Do you feel like your days are sometimes out of control?  A to-do list that won’t quit, an overflowing inbox, and you can’t remember the last time you made it to the gym, let alone took time to meditate or write in your journal?

Instead of using your smart phone to check your email one more time, use it to take a meditation break, make a gratitude list, or check in with your inner self.  Here are five iPhone and iPad apps that will refresh your spirit and rejuvenate your outlook.

Meditator $.99

Meditator is a simple but effective meditation timer designed for iPhone or iPad. Use it for timing meditation sessions, or power nap. The app will count down and them chime at the beginning and end of a session.  You can also set intervals that are useful for doing a series of yoga poses. It has three memory settings to retain your preferences for different kinds of sessions. The best part is the chime tones – beautiful, authentic meditation sounds, including a wood flute, multiple tones of Tibetan Bowls, and a monk’s voice. It comes with several nice ones and you can purchase additional sets within the app.

iChing HD  $2.99

The iChing is an ancient Chinese book that contains a divination system accessed by reading the results of a coin toss. This version is based on the popular web-based iChing readings on iFate.com. You will be walked through a complete reading that will offer deep insight into current and future events. The app features beautiful HD graphics and animation and is designed to be simple enough for a complete beginner yet offer enough depth and complexity to keep advanced users engaged. Separate versions are available for iPhone and iPad.

Day One  $1.99

Day One is a beautiful journaling app available for iPhone, iPad and Mac Desktop. Each version has a customized layout appropriate for the device’s screen size. The app is designed for quick daily journal entries. This would be a great way to keep a gratitude journal or to capture regular everyday moments before they are lost to the busyness of life. The app can be locked with a password and syncs to iCloud or Dropbox so all of your entries are available across your devices. Entries are shown in a list or calendar view, and you can flag them or export them out of the application. Planned features in development include support of tags, photo attachments and encryption.

Awareness $3.99

With the simple question, “What are you feeling right now?” Awareness allows you to check in with your emotional landscape and empowers you to build or change your attitudes and behavior. The app will send random notifications (but won’t interrupt your iCal meetings!), asking you to log your mood and current activity. Based on your response you will be offered an inspirational quote or brief meditation. The app also creates reports so you can analyze your moods and how they correlate to various activities over time. Reviewers of the application note that it is a great help to reduce anxiety and stress. It is currently available on iPhone and iPad and an Android version is in development.

Way of Dreams $1.99

More than just a dream dictionary, Way of Dreams invites you to type in dream description and then offers an interpretation based on keywords and associations between symbols you described. Symbol definitions also contain hyperlinks so you can delve into deeper meanings. The app is based on the work of author and talk radio dream analyst Kari Hohne. The app is available for iPhone, iPad and now also on Kindle.

Visit Life Your Way to see all of the Ultimate Blog Swap participants!

Thank you Doña for those awesome app suggestions. These will fit perfectly with my Project Balance. I will be downloading these and giving them a try.

Doña Bumgarner tries to use her iPhone for good – at least when her toddler isn’t using it to play Peekaboo Barn.  She blogs at Aubergine and lives and writes in Santa Cruz, CA.

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Ultimate Blog Swap; 5 Apps To Support Your Spirit originally posted at Scraps of My Geek Life.

iHangy Keychain

iHangy Keychain

The iHangy Keychain attaches to the bottom of the iPhone where you would plug it in to charge it. The iHangy Keychain can be hung on your keychain or your belt loop. I would suggest using a screen protector with the keychain so your screen won’t get scratched.

iHangy Necklace

iHangy Necklace

The iHangy Necklace attaches the same way the keychain does, but it has a soft rubber cord that goes around your neck. The necklace has a safety feature so that if you were to get it caught on something, it won’t hang you, it would pull apart instead.

How Does It Hold Up?

Of course, my big concern was, “Will it stay connected to my iPhone?” and I am glad to report that without the case, both stayed securely connected to the iPhone. When I had my case on, the keychain stayed connected, but if I pulled enough, the Necklace would come loose. I’m assuming this is different with every case. It will depend on the depth of your case and how much room is around the connection area.

Using the stylus on the iHangy Necklace.

Includes a Touch Pen

The iHangy Necklace and iHangy Keychain include a touch pen. I thought this was a really clever use of the design. That way you always have the touch pen with you. It works really well too.

iHangy iPhone Accessories Details

The iHangy can be used on all models of the iPhone and the iPod. They can be purchased online at iHangy.com.

The iHangy Keychain comes in white and black and retails for $14.99.

The iHangy Necklace comes in pink, white, black and purple and retails for $14.99.

There are so many times I wished there was an ihangy on my iPhone. I plan to give the iHangy Necklace to my 13 yr old daughter because she often doesn’t have pockets and doesn’t carry a purse yet. I’m going to keep the iHangy Keychain for me because I often carry just my keys with me and it would be awesome to not have to carry keys & phone (keys are on a chain that goes around my neck.)

Let’s Talk About the iHangy iPhone Accessories!

What are your thoughts? How could you use an iHangy? What else could you use an iHangy for?

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iHangy iPhone Accessories Keeps Hands Free & Phone Safe originally posted at Scraps of My Geek Life.

Convenient Charging Technology

My Apple keyboard, trackpad and Magic Mouse always lose batter power at the most inconvenient times and often, I don’t have batteries in the house so I’m scrounging around looking for another gadget to steal batteries from. With the Mobee charging technology, I don’t have to do that anymore. Mobee has made it really easy to keep all three charged up conveniently using the power from your computer.

The Power Bar

The Power Bar is for the Apple Trackpad. You replace the batteries in the trackpad with a rechargeable power bar that fits into the batter compartment. When you need to charge up the trackpad, you plug the Power Bar into your computer with the USB cord and let it charge. Retails for $29.90.

The Magic Bar

The Magic Bar is for the small keyboard that comes with the newer iMacs. You replace the batteries in the keyboard with a rechargeable power bar that fits into the batter compartment. When you need to charge up the keyboard, you place the keyboard into the Magic Bar and let it charge. Retails for $59.90.

The Magic Charger

The Magic Charger is for the Magic Mouse. Replace your batteries in the Magic Mouse with the rechargeable battery pack from Mobee. When you need a charge, place the Magic Mouse on the Magic Charger (which plugs into your computer via USB) and let it charge without wires. Retails for $49.90.

Using all three of these will save you money in batteries and time searching for batteries. I used the Magic Bar and the Magic Charger for the last few weeks. I charged my keyboard and Magic Mouse completely and I have not had to recharge yet. I also have noticed that I don’t have as many problems with my Magic Mouse becoming disconnected which was happening a LOT with regular batteries.

The Magic NumPad

So, you have the small keyboard all charged up with the Magic Bar and you have your Trackpad, but there is no numpad? How inconvenient is that? Mobee has a solution…..Magic Numpad. It is an overlay which you put on your trackpad and it turns your Apple Trackpad into a NumPad.The NumPad comes with several different layouts for the extra keys, so you can choose which one works best for you. Retails for $29.90.

You install a small application on the computer that will let you change from NumPad to Trackpad mode. It works really well, but you do have to watch yourself press the numbers because you can’t feel the different keys. I got used to the different NumPad style very quickly.

Enhance My Life

I love that Mobee Technology has taken some daily inconveniences and created a solution for them. These gadgets have definitely enhanced my life.

Disclosure: I received the Magic NumPad from my husband for Valentine’s Day (he paid for it.) I received the Magic Bar and the Magic Charger in exchange for this review. I have not personally tried the Power Bar. All opinions are 100% my own. Amazon affiliate links within the post.

Follow Mobee on Facebook and Twitter.

Amazon Links

Related posts:

1. iPad Bluetooth Keyboard Case by iLuv Excellent For Conferences
2. Microsoft Wireless Touch Mouse Review
3. To iPad or Not, That is the Question! Apple Reveals it Finally!

Mobee Does Magic With Your Magic Mouse, Apple Keyboard & Trackpad originally posted at Scraps of My Geek Life.

You can either plug your iPhone in and put it under your pillow or wear it in an arm band.

Motion X Sleep tracked my light sleep, deep sleep and awake times. As an added bonus, you can set up the time you want to wake up and it will gently wake you up with soothing sounds. I chose the waves and it really did work. I felt more relaxed when I woke up and not being jarred up by that obnoxious iPhone Alarm sound (you know what sound I’m talking about!!)

Motion X Sleep Video

This video is a great overview and tutorial

The only thing missing from Motion X Sleep is the ability to add some notes. I would love to add things notes about my day or night that might be helpful.

Let’s Talk About Motion X Sleep!

Do you track your sleep habits?

Related articles

• Top 10 Tricks for Getting Better Sleep [Lifehacker Top 10] (lifehacker.com)
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• Caffeine Zone 2 Tracks Your Caffeine Usage and Tells You if Another Cup Will Do Any Good [IPhone Downloads] (lifehacker.com)

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Daily Geek Find; Tracking Your Sleep With An App originally posted at Scraps of My Geek Life.

I have 3 iPad accessories to show you that will make using the iPad 2 safer and a little easier.

ePillow Tablet Accessory

The ePillow is exactly what it sounds like…a pillow for your iPad. Sounds silly, but it’s brilliant. Putting your iPad on the ePillow gives you a more comfortable experience.

How often have you been in bed with the iPad propped on blankets or your legs with your neck in some weird position so you can see the screen? The ePillow will

• reduce neck aches,
• reduce muscle fatigue, and
• reduce eye strain

The ePillow iPad accessory comes in several colors. I tested the blue/gray one (there was no orange. ) It is a really soft pillow where the tablet rests comfortably with the tablet still in its case. There is a pocket to put headphones or a stylus.

The great thing about the ePillow is that it not only accommodates the iPad, but also Acer Iconia A500, Android ePad, Android Toughbook, HP Touchpad, HTC Flyer Android, LG Iconia A 500, LG Optimus, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy 10 and various other tablet PCs. You could also put an eReader or hard cover book. It definitely has many uses.

The ePillow is available for $29.95 at the ePillow website. Follow ePillow on Facebook and Twitter.

ePillow is in the running to “Get On The Shelf” at Wal-Mart. Vote for the ePillow by clicking on the button below.

Targus Lap Lounge iPad2 Accessory

The next iPad accessory is also for the lap, with a different design. Targus created the iPad2 Lap Lounge to be used anywhere and to protect your iPad while you are using the lap desk.

The Lap Lounge has a soft bean bag pillow on the bottom with a stand that allows the iPad to be set to many different angles. The stand is designed to amplify the sound from the iPad so it’s awesome when you are watching movies. There is also a pocket for headphones. Can use the stand for portrait or landscape viewing.

The Targus Lap Lounge can be purchased on Amazon. Retail price is $49.99.

Widge iPad 2 Accessory

Do you have kids who always want to use your iPad and you are afraid to hand over your precious gadget? I do! This is where the Widge by X-Doria comes in handy. It doesn’t look like an iPad accessory for a kid, but yet is made with kids in mind.

It has fat corners and a carrying handle on the back for kids to be able to easily grab it. It is made of a durable material and can be wiped down with a wet cloth. It puts the iPad 2 at a viewing angle that is perfect for a kid to sit and watch it on a table.

The Widge for The New iPad & iPad 2 in Red is available at Amazon. The retail price is $49.99.

Disclosure: I received each of the above products in exchange for this review. All opinions are 100% my own. Affiliate links in the post.

Let’s Talk About iPad2 Accessories!

What are some of your favorite iPad accessories?

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3 Unique iPad2 Accessories For Peace of Mind & Comfort originally posted at Scraps of My Geek Life.

If you have a techie in your life, I can guarantee they would prefer one of the gifts on this Valentine’s Day Ideas for Techies than diamonds or chocolate. Although a new gadget and some chocolate is always a safe bet!

Let’s Talk About Valentine’s Day ideas for Techies!

Do you have a Valentine’s Day idea for techies you would like to add? Leave me a comment with a link to the gift and I’ll add it.

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Valentine’s Day Ideas For Techies originally posted at Scraps of My Geek Life.

Into_Now App

This is what the Into_Now app on the iPad looks like when it is listening to your TV.

And Into_Now on the iPhone…

And this is what you get when the Into_Now app listens and finds the show you are listening to.

You can also find shows that are on now if you are looking for something to watch on TV.

You can connect with your friends and when you check into a show you will know whether your friends have watched that show before or if they are watching it now. The checking in part is similar to Get Glue, but I love that the Into_Now app listens for the show rather than me having to find it.

Here is what you see on the iPad. There is more space, so you can see more.

Testing Into_Now

I have tested both the iPad and iPhone Into_Now app extensively trying to trip it up. I have never had the app tell me it was the wrong show. If there are commercials on, the app will tell you it thinks there may be commercials on. If the sound is too soft or there is a lot of other noise in the room, then the Into_Now app will have a hard time listening. But when it can hear well, it finds the show almost every time. There was only once that it wasn’t finding the show and I can’t remember what show it was.

How Into_Now Works

I checked on the Into_Now website to find out how it find the shows by listening. It uses something called SoundPrint, which is their own patented indexing technology

With SoundPrint, IntoNow can identify what’s being watched, down to the individual episode, within seconds.

- Into_Now website

It just amazes me what technology can do.

Follow Into_Now on Facebook & Twitter.

Let’s Talk About The Into_Now app!

Did you download Into_Now? Do you use check-in apps when you are watching TV?

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Into_Now App Knows What You Are Watching By Listening; Daily Geek Find originally posted at Scraps of My Geek Life.

At the end of this post are all the affiliate links, just click on the small picture of the item you are going to buy and I’ll get a little back from Amazon.

Do you have a gift that you would give to a teen or tween (or would like to get as a teen or tween)? Leave me a link and I’ll add it.

Disclosure: I received some of the products in exchange for reviews, but it was my choice to include in my Teen & Tween Tech Gift Guide. You will see #spon next to the items I received. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Teen & Tween Gift Guide Affiliate Links

Following are Affiliate links to the family tech products in the list above.

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1. Grandparents Tech Gift Guide
2. Tech Moms Holiday Gift Guide
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Teen & Tween Gift Guide originally posted at Scraps of My Geek Life.

Do you have a gift that you would give to a family (or would like to get as a family)? Leave me a link and I’ll add it.

Disclosure: I received some of the products in exchange for reviews, but it was my choice to include in my Family Tech Gift Guide. You will see #spon next to the items I received. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Family Tech Gift Guide Affiliate Links

Following are Affiliate links to the family tech products in the list above.

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Family Tech Gift Guide originally posted at Scraps of My Geek Life.

My husband gave me Siri for our 17th Wedding Anniversary and I think the 3 of us will be very happy!

Although I asked Siri how old she was and she replied, “Are you concerned?” So it seems she has a bit of an attitude, but unlike my teenagers, I can turn Siri off if she gives me too much lip service!!

I’ll keep you posted on how the relationship between Siri and I (and hubby) is going.

Let’s Talk About Siri!

Do you have Siri in your home? What are some of the funny things she has said to you?

Related articles

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• Geek Love: Siri’s EULA Doesn’t Cover Marriage (lawprofessors.typepad.com)
• The meaning of life according to Siri (westernthm.wordpress.com)

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My Husband Gave Me Another Woman For Our Anniversary originally posted at Scraps of My Geek Life.