I thought I could live without my phone until I went to pick up my Kroger Clicklist with my phone sitting on the kitchen counter. I had no way of notifying Kroger I was ready for pickup and I couldn’t listen to my newest podcast. And what if I wanted to redeem my free Icedream cone from Chick-fil-A? No can do, not without your phone!
Phones are important and here are the top apps every mom needs on her phone (these are in no favorable order):
- Chick-fil-A: You are able to scan this app for future rewards and your local CFA can also upload free rewards as well. You can find nutritional information, order ahead, and when you’re on a road trip, even pull up your nearest CFA.
- Target Cartwheel: If you stop at Target, you NEED this app. Cartwheel not only has discounts and deals only for app users, but you can also earn points on all your purchases. Yes, you can officially tell your spouse you are getting paid to shop at Target.
- Libby: Once I had my son, I discovered reading isn’t as easy as it used to be. After some research, I found that Knox County Public Library has an app called Libby which is where I can download audiobooks. They also have ebooks that can be downloaded as well and sent to your Kindle. This service is completely free of charge.
- YouTube/PBS/Netflix: We all know our kids can act a fool, especially in the most inconvenient locations. This is a great app to pull out when you need a cool down moment or just to finish the last 10 minutes of shopping.
- Kroger/Instacart/Walmart: EVERY MOM NEEDS THIS. We aren’t in sports yet, but I have been on the interstate in Florida and had a full car of groceries by 6pm. I can’t imagine the moms that have kids’ activities 4-5 nights a week. This app was made for you. Truly, you don’t even need a reason, grocery pickup is everything.
- Waze: This is the only maps app I use. I did confer with other moms and we are all partial. Waze is used by a lot of the Uber/Lyft drivers also. It gives second to second updates on traffic accidents, delays, and the best part is that it can notify you if your normal route is delayed and gives other options before you’ve even left your house. If you’re ever sitting in traffic (as the passenger) you can use the app to see what the traffic is from, it even marks the potholes (can I get an amen).
- Banking apps: I know we all use different banks, but if your bank has an app you need it. With the Knoxville TVA Credit Union app, I am able to make check deposits, check our account, and even send money (how we pay our sitter) without ever having to step into a bank. I love my bank and the employees are so incredibly nice, but toting a toddler into a nice quiet bank is the last thing they want.
- AppleMusic/Pandora/Spotify: Does your son or daughter want to sing “Into the Unknown” by Idina Menzel over and over again? Well now they can! These apps have a free and paid version. We use the paid version because I love being able to find and select music by our choice. The free versions compile great playlists for you with a mix of songs from categories you choose.
- FamCal: Have you ever left a child at daycare or soccer practice because you thought your significant other was picking them up? How about the time when you come in carrying groceries and your middle schooler tells you he needs sugar cubes tonight for a project due tomorrow? FamCal is for you! You can share a family calendar, shopping lists, send reminders (don’t forget your cleats), and even share moments such as pictures and videos.
- Shutterfly: One day, all we will have are memories and pictures. When you have the Shutterfly app, you receive unlimited free prints monthly (4×4 and 4×6 shipping not included) and you are awarded 5 freebies monthly that range from photo books to cell phone cases — the options are almost endless.
