Here’s a quick guide to some of my personal favorite apps in the world wide web. Life can be pretty rough sometimes, and these apps just help me get by. I’m going skip over the obvious social media ones and hopefully shed some light on the good, practical + simple ones (nothing crazy/trendy here, guys). I have an iPhone 5S, if anyone cares!
VSCO
I love VSCO because of the cool filters it offers (don’t forget to download the free filters under SHOP). Once you pick a filter, you can then edit the properties of the filter to suit your selfie needs. Save it to your phone and/or link it to your favorite social media outlets.
The Weather Channel
You’re probably going, “There’s already an iPhone Weather app, Kris.” Yes, I understand. But this one has a RADAR. RADAR. Sometimes you just want to know how fast those rain clouds are moving.
Two Dots
I’m totally on level 100 something right now. A few key points about this game: 1) you only have 5 lives or so. So if you’re out of lives completely, you can’t play for another 20 minutes. This means, put it away and you have less chance of becoming addicted (I swear, I’m not!) 2) The music. It’s really soothing. I wish there was a Two Dots soundtrack for purchase. 3). Good for the brain.
Headspace
For those of you needing a little bit of mellow, less stress or some meditation discipline, this app is great if you can dedicate 10 minutes (just 10!!!) each day to zen out. The man behind voice has the most soothing British accent. Get rid of that mind chatter to give yourself a bit of peace.
Chase
…only if you have a Chase account, of course. And again, I’m sure you’re thinking, “DUH, KRIS! NOTHING NEW.” But I love it because you can deposit checks (even in large amounts — $$$) and Chase QuickPay on the spot. Also, how about that “Transfer Funds” feature?! And those notifications you’re in the neg? No need for a trip to the bank. I just wish it could cough up a roll of quarters for laundry.
Venmo
Speaking of dough, here’s a great, free way to re-pay your friends for Pizza 
, Beer 
, and maybe half your rent 
. Just links directly to your bank account.
Spotify
I’m definitely a Spotify girl at heart. I have Spotify Premium which allows me to play music without commercials. I’d hate to have the Spotify guy interrupt a yoga class I’m teaching in the middle of music blasting. Way to ruin the groove. Skip as many songs as you’d like!
Random Chicago Yoga/Workout Apps
For all you yogis/non-yogis out there: did you know that CorePower Yoga, Tula Yoga Studio in Logan Square, and Zen Yoga Garage in Bucktown all have their own app? AWESOME! Also, download the MINDBODY app as many yoga studios nationwide (as well as other fitness places) use Mind Body Online as their main class-scheduling interface. You can search your favorite place to workout, save it as a favorite and refer to it whenever you need.
Beer Menus
My favorite beer right now is Founders Rubaeus Raspberry Ale on Nitro. I feel like it’s a pretty specific beer from a pretty specific type of tap. I follow this beer on Beer Menus and get notified as to where it’s currently being poured. It also lists all the beers on tap at your favorite watering hole.
Dunkin’ Donuts/Starbucks
If you’re a frequenter of either of these establishments, GET THE FREE APP. You get free stuff and percentages off purchases. Enter that gift card you got from a stranger into the app so that you don’t have to carry it around in your wallet.