Wednesday, April 4, 2012

My top 4 apps + tools for keeping organised

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


Image credits: 1 | 2 | 3

29 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing. I hope you do not mind but I would love to share this on my blog. Of course linking back to little bits of lovely. I am in the process of downloading teux deux.

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  3. Vicki, of course! You will love Teux Deux - let me know what you think of it!

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  4. Wonderful apps! Definitely worth a try! Have a fabulous day, Kellie xx

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  5. Great post!!!! I am an evernote addict but the other apps I hadn't heard of, these are great suggestions! Going to download now..... PS How is your big launch going at work? Is life getting back to normal? Hope so!!! xx

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  6. I am not very apps-friendly, but I have to admit, these would help my schedule a lot, so I might give some a try. thank you for sharing, Rachel, and making these more accessible for me. I love these work space shots. :)
    Ada

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  7. I use Google Reader daily. It is so helpful!

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  8. Great advice!
    I love Evernote, use it on a daily basis just to keep track with all the work!

    http://myveryownoneyearproject.blogspot.pt/

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  9. I love the way you're mixing up your wonderful Wednesday workspace posts. And yes, I love the photos you included too. I've been meaning to check out that Evernote thing since forever so now I'll go ahead and do that!

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  10. I'm installing all these on my phone right now. Can't believe I don't already have them.

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  11. I have never heard of Evernote and am desiring to give it a try! I adore Google Reader :) This was such a unique and creative post! xo

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  12. I have so many apps but use so few! I should really narrow it down & add teux deux! It looks so lovely!

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  13. So absolutely lovely pics!

    And now I have to check Teux Deux!
    :-)

    ♥ Franka

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  14. This is so helpful! I'm definitely downloading Everynote!

    Have a great day!

    http://www.unidentifiedlifestyle.com
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Unidentified-Lifestyle/130153917018776

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  15. Rachel, thank you for the suggestions! Maybe because I don't have an Apple device (even if I hope to change the situation in the near future...) I'm not an app expert. But I use Google Reader and Bloglovin' to follow my favourite blogs.

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  16. I just use a reminders app because I love making lists and tick things off I have get them done. :) I also love Flipboard very much.
    xxx

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  17. Love this post! Just installed Instapaper, thanks so much for putting it on my radar!!

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  18. Instapaper is pretty awesome! I feel so organized with it.

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  19. Cool! I have not heard of the last two so will have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!

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  20. This is such a helpful post! I've used Evernote, but I can't wait to check out the other apps.

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  21. Thanks for sharing the tools you love! I will check them out!

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  22. These are just wonderful ideas, Rachel! I tried using Google Reader, but I found Bloglovin' suited me better. Now all I need is an iPhone/iPad for these other lovely apps!

    Kate {Something Fabulous}
    http://thesomethingfabulous.blogspot.com

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  23. I haven't heard of Evernote and Instapaper - will go and install them now! Thanks. Have a lovely easter weekend.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.com/

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  24. I use Evernote and Google Reader - cant wait to check out Instapaper and TeuxDeux - sounds like just what I need! Thanks for sharing!

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  25. Love this--Teuxdeux and Google Reader are great, but thank you for the introduction to Instapaper! :)

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  26. Finally entering the smartphone world tomorrow - will have to keep these in mind!

    Andrea x

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  27. I have tried Evernote but I've found that having a separate app to keep track of things makes me even more confused :P Maybe I haven't quite figured out how to use it correctly.

    Echo the comments of those who prefer Bloglovin'- it's just prettier! But intrigued by Instapaper, going to check it out now! Thanks for sharing!

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  28. Wonderful apps! Thanks for sharing the tools you love

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