I've decided to start mixing things up on Wednesday's around here, perhaps a wish list post here and an organising post there, and of course I will continue to post fabulous workspaces…But today, I want to let you know about a few of my favourite apps + tools that I used on a daily basis to stay on top of my seemingly never-ending to-do list.
Because I have been so busy with work juggling multiple things lately, its been more important than ever to keep myself super organised - a task that has been made so much easier with apps + tools. I've narrowed it down to my top 4 here, so here we go!
:: Evernote ::
Evernote is a web-based tool (there is also an iphone/ipad app) where you can create digital notes - an audio note, written note or a picture note. You can categorise all of your notes into separate note books to keep track of everything. For example, I have a Notebook for the blog, and can store multiple different notes within this notebook all relating to the blog. I have separate note books for things like Decor, Fitness + Finances.
The apps sync with the web based tool, which means that you can access your notes from anywhere. I use this a lot during my day job, taking notes in meetings on my iPad (yep, I'm a nerd) and then reading them/following up on them using the web based tool.
My favourite thing about Evernote is that you can not only tag notes to categorise them, you can also search within the app so if you are looking for something but don't know where you saved it, you can easily find it.
You can also encrypt your 'notes', so you can store sensitive information like passwords.
:: Google Reader ::
I use Google Reader on a daily basis - it is where I store all of my favourite blogs + websites by subscribing to their RSS feed so I can read them all in one browser. Reader makes it easy to organise digital subscriptions by being able to set up folders to categorise your different feeds, for example, I have a feed specifically set up for digital, business and marketing, and also have blogs I follow categorised by fashion, interiors and food etc. You can easily flick through posts from your favourite sites and then click on the link to see the post on the full site. There is no limit to the number of sites you can follow, but the more you follow, the more unread items you will see, which makes it hard to stay on top of! There is also a great app for the iPad called "Reeder" which is essentially the same thing but made specifically for the iPad.
:: Instapaper ::
Instapaper is a super simple tool which conveniently stores the web pages you want to read later enabling you to access them in one spot, from either your mobile, iPad or on the web. I use it for mainly when I'm browsing through my Reeder on my iPad and find an article I want to read later - I simply click on the "read it later" link and this will be stored in a reading list for when I login to Instapaper. What's great is that you can also create folders to store different types of content, so you can keep all of your readings neatly organised under categories!
:: TeuxDeux ::
Also a web based tool with a pretty funky iPhone app, Teux Deux allows me to quickly add my to-do tasks and then easily cross them off when they are complete. Its a no-fuss tool with no bells or whistles, but that's one of the main reason's I love it: because it's simple. Its super easy to add tasks in and then move them around to other days if I need to; plus I love the feeling of 'crossing things off my list' when they are done. Nothing like a feeling of accomplishment!
Do you have a favourite app or tool that helps keep you organised?
Rachel xo
