I spend a lot of time on my phone. A lot. Between work, travel, and family, my phone is basically my office, planner, and entertainment hub all in one. Over time, I’ve figured out which apps I actually use, and which ones just sit there taking up space.

Here are the ones that really make my days smoother (and a little more fun).

Zinio

Zinio is one of my favorite apps for reading. I use it to catch up on The Times and a few other magazines I love.

I like that it’s quick, factual, and beautifully designed, perfect for when I want a short, quiet reading moment between the chaos of the day.

Outlook

I’ve tried fancy calendar apps, but I always come back to the basics. The native Outlook calendar keeps my work and personal life in one place. I like simplicity and that means one app, one view, no extra logins.

Notes

If you peeked at my Notes app, you’d think it was a mix between a planner, a journal, and a hundred open tabs. It’s my scratch paper, for everything. Grocery lists, quotes I love, ideas for blog posts, random reminders.

But here’s the trick that keeps it all organized: folders.

I create folders in Notes the same way I do on a computer: one for work, one for home, one for inspiration, one for travel. It’s such a small thing, but it makes a huge difference when I need to find something fast.

Pinterest

Pinterest is where I go when I want to breathe. I scroll through home ideas, travel inspiration, and recipe boards. I love creating a visual mood board for every part of my life to add a little creative break between emails.

Spotify/ QQ Music（Chinese version of Spotify)

Here’s my secret: I can’t organize without music. When I’m working, driving, or tidying up the house, there’s always something playing in the background.

My playlists are a mix of everything feel-good classics, chill bathtub music, and the occasional dance track. Music sets the rhythm of my day.

I usually curate my own playlists, connect my phone to a Bluetooth speaker, and let it fill the house.

TripIt

If you travel often, TripIt is a lifesaver. It keeps all my itineraries,  flights, hotel bookings, everything, in one clean timeline. No more digging through email confirmations mid-flight.

Common Sense Media

For parents, this app is a must. It helps me keep track of what apps, movies, and shows are appropriate for Nicholas’s age. It also shares great articles on parenting in the digital age super practical, especially now that tech is everywhere.

Bonus Tech Must: My Foldable Keyboard Obsession

Okay, this isn’t technically an app, but it’s hands-down my favorite purchase of the year.

It’s a foldable Bluetooth keyboard, and I’m so obsessed that I’ve started gifting it to all my friends. It’s small enough to fit in a purse and unfolds in seconds.

I love it because I type a lot and typing long messages on a phone gives me carpal tunnel (seriously). With the keyboard, I can reply to emails, write notes, or even draft blog ideas while waiting at a café. I just pop open the keyboard, prop up my phone, and start typing.

It’s practical, light, and gives my thumbs a break.

Why It Works for Me

You might’ve expected something different but as you can see, I don’t use dozens of productivity tools or five different planners. I use what works namely a few solid apps, a little music, and one clever gadget that makes it all easier.

The goal isn’t to be more “digital” , it’s to stay organized and connected without feeling overwhelmed.

That’s what I try to bring into everything I do: keeping it simple, intentional, and easy to maintain.

What about you? Do you have an app or gadget you can’t live without? I’d love to hear what’s helping you stay organized and inspired.

Before you go…

MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US FOR MORE GOOD IDEAS
Instagram | Facebook | Little Red Book | Wechat

You can also contact me or subscribe to my newsletter here.

---

PIN IT FOR LATER ↓