With a husband whose nickname is “Tynology” it’s no wonder that I’ve gotten pretty well-versed when it comes to apps.

I keep both my phone and iPad Mini relatively clean, but there are certain apps I keep on my devices at all times whether to gather information, have fun, or edit a photo.

These are my current six must-have apps.

Flipboard

(Free)

Flipboard is often the first app that I open when I wake up in the morning. It combines topics that I’m interested in, my social media, and news headlines into easily digestible digital magazines. After all, it’s only fitting that I have an app that mimics what I do in “real life” as a career – create magazines! When you download, follow me and my husband: sbmack and tynology.

Colorfy

(Free)

When life is coming at all angles, my all-time favorite stress relieving activity is to bust out the crayons and coloring book. Colorfy allows me to do this digitally (and without light in the event my husband is sleeping!). With abstract designs and a large palette of colors, the app is perfect for getting a little creative on the fly.

Covet

(Free)

I often refer to Covet as paper dolls for grown-ups. I thoroughly enjoy shopping in real life, so this dangerously addictive app allows me to vicariously splurge on a seemingly endless selection of tops, dresses, hats, bags, etc. What’s even better is that all products featured in the app are replicas of actual products that can be purchased via Covet. Be warned, while the app is free, I’ve been enticed to drop a few dollars here and there!

Monument Valley

($1.99)

Beautifully simple graphics, casual yet challenging gameplay, and intuitive controls, Monument Valley is as much fun to look at as it is to play. It even got a shout-out by Frank Underwood in season three of Netflix’s House of Cards! I do not typically play iOS games but this is a non-frustrating game that can keep players of all skills and ages glued to their screens for hours on end.

Facetune

($3.99)

Facetune is like a mini-Photoshop on your phone. I’ve downloaded a lot of apps in the past that claim to remove imperfections that wouldn’t even touch the quality of this app. I’ve used this app to remove an unwanted outlet off a wall in an image, smooth flyaway hairs, and even whiten shadowed teeth. This app may be my favorite on the list out of pure necessity.

Her Story

($5.99)

Full disclosure: I am a serious sucker for a good mystery. Her Story is not like any game I’ve ever played before. In fact, it can barely be classified as a game. Without giving too much away, it is your job to get to the bottom of a murder investigation with only an in-game search bar and a series of video testimonies. This app is the equivalent of an M. Night Shyamalan plot twist, throwing curveballs at you consistently through the game.

What are your favorite apps right now?

XO, Sarabeth