App :: Lovely

My boyfriend has officially taken over the apartment search so I can focus all of my attention on finding employment for the time being. Before I hand over the reins, I would like to highlight an app I've recently fallen in love with. Lovely brings listings from craigslist into a more attractive and interactive platform on your phone. There are lots of awesome extra features, including alerts for fresh listings that meet your needs, in-app email and call options, and even a way to help you pay your landlord.

If you or someone you know is about to be on the hunt for an apartment in the near future, I highly recommend using Lovely to help you find the next place to call home. Search for them in the app store, or visit their website at livelovely.com for more information.

App :: Happier

I am back from my all-consuming seasonal job at summer camp, so that means my iPhone is fully charged and back online. I've taken this opportunity to clear out some apps that I don't use anymore, and I wanted to take a brief moment to highlight a rock-star application that I've rediscovered.

 Happier is an app that gives you a place to share all the things in your life that make you, well, happier! You might remember those 100 day gratitude challenges that were circulating on Instagram in the spring, and have seen a recent revival as part of a Facebook "challenge". What I like most about Happier is that it can be a totally separate community from my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. I can maintain my privacy, and in this generation of over-sharing and social media noise - that is really important to me. Happier is like a virtual gratitude journal that I can keep by my side while I'm going through my daily activities. The interface is bright and bubbly, the inspirational quotes are on point, and my intense need-to-organize is thoroughly satisfied with their post tags.

The app is free, and they have recently introduced a couple of courses that you can pay for. They center around topics like meditation, yoga, and gratitude for $19.95. I am so tempted to give one a try… If anyone has taken one of Happier's courses, please let me know if it was worth the money! And if you download Happier, feel free to share your own thoughts.