3 Apps that have made my life better...

Several weeks ago both my husband and I independently deleted Facebook off our phones and later discussed how it felt like we could breath clean air again. I've heard of others going towards the more minimal social media route and I find it refreshing. I'm not opposed to social media, but there is a fine balance to it, right? This article about going off the Facebook grid really resonated with me to welcome more deliberate living and clearly addressed many of the quarrels I have with it all.

After I deleted the Facebook app off my phone I also scrutinized other apps on my phone that I don't use or need. Besides other apps I've previously mentioned before, these three stood out as making my life better so far in 2013. (They are all free too.)

1. Day One : I've teetered back and forth between a digital and handwritten journal for years and have now decided I'm going digital. I will definitely still always have sketchbooks and adore handwritten things but what I decisively love about digital journals is that they are searchable and you can recall experiences, words and notes with ease and speed. Day One is award-winning and has a well-designed interface with the ability to tag your entries. For example, when my kids say something I want to remember I type it down on my phone really quick and tag their name on it. When I want to take a photo of something memorable and catalog it with words sans Instagram this is what I use. I also bought the corresponding app for my computer and although it has a few kinks (like not being able to tag) I believe they are working on improvements. I adore this on my phone and it syncs with everything seamlessly.

2. Pocket : This app is my go to for clipping articles I want to read later. As I explained to someone the other day it is like Pinterest for words. When I'm craving content with more depth or something to read that is lengthy, Pocket will help me digitally clip and save until I have a bit of downtime to read it later. This app is likewise well-designed with a lovely interface.

3. My Fitness Pal : I am currently doing a 30 day detox (more on that later) and before my cleanse I was really keeping an eye on my nutrition and tracking with this app which showed me what nutrients I lacked. Also (nerd alert) my husband and I wear these and have this and they all sync up flawlessly with app so we can see our activity, weight, and food and nutrient consumption all in one app. We've tried quite a few gadgets, and apps and have found this one to be the best yet at overall health tracking that we've come across. Although my husband now just bought this so we'll see.

While I'm on the app subject, have you heard of the trend in app land of waiting lists, ugh.  My husband Mac clued me in to get on the list for Mailbox - which supposedly puts email in its place and Tempo - a new calendar app, although when hundreds of thousands of people are in a virtual download waiting line I wonder if it is going to be like a Disneyland wait without a good ride. Thoughts?

What are your favorite apps for 2013?

Speaking Digitally: Paper by FiftyThree

If you have an iPad, you've got to check out the Paper by Fifty Three App. Basically you can use your finger or stylus to jot notes in your own handwriting, draw, paint and more. My husband ordered a stylus pen that came in the mail the other day and we have been having a lot of fun playing around with it. It is super intuitive and I am impressed with what you can do with it, and it feels more natural than any other drawing app we've tried. It is a perfect app for a quick sketch or to convey an idea to someone. It is crazy to envision the future like say in ten years as the gap between real paper vs. digital paper shrinks. Around ten years ago I think that was about when I got my first digital camera -- yikes how far we have come and so fast. The app itself is free and then you pay for the tools you want to use, pretty smart.

Don't get me wrong, I will always be a paper book lover and a pen and real paper type of girl, and I believe there will always be a place for it, but this technology is incredible and just wanted to share it with you. See their video for an idea of how it works. Have you tried it out? What apps are blowing your mind lately?

Also three cheers for Instagram being on Android.

Have a good one.

It is has been raining here nonstop all week long, V is hoping the sun will come out soon so she can wear her new shades we picked up for a couple bucks the other day. Wishing you a really wonderful weekend.

p.s. Have you seen Dominique Falla's string art? It is really exceptional. 

Fashion Week Color Showdown

Whew, I had a blast compiling the latest runway fashion by color coming on the scene for Fall 2012 from New York Fashion Week. Color is alive and well, I can't believe how much there is for fall, lots of different and fun things going on. Do you have any favorite runway standouts?

All photos from Style.com -- (photographers noted on individual photo links)

1. Karen Walker  2. Mary Katrantzou 3. Tracy Reece 4. Peter Pilotto 5. Rachel Roy

6. Mary Katrantzou 7. Peter Jensen 8. Tracy Reece 9. Tory Burch 10. Costello Tagliapietra

11. Betsey Johnson 12. Carlos Miele 13. Tory Burch 14. Proenza Schouler 15. Zero + Maria Cornejo

Wandering About : Honolulu

For those of you bearing the winter snow storms doesn't a sunny and warm vacation sounds dreamy right about now?! My sister is currently living in Hawaii and was happy to share some of her favorite things in Honolulu.

Feeling : Gliding through the water in a Kayak at Lanikai
Tasting : Famous coco puffs from Liliha Bakery
Smelling : Plumeria
Seeing : Lantern Floating Festival
Listening : Jack Johnson
Staying: The Modern Honolulu

Do you have a favorite spot to share if you had a couple of days to spend in Honolulu, what should not be missed.

Photo Credits: 1 2 3 4 5

Cute Little Printer

Oh my goodness, this little printer is so adorable! It prints out receipt sized lists of a variety of things and you can even print from your phone. Watch the video clip here to see how it works here. Eek! Very cute and well designed. It launches as a beta product in early 2012.

(via Fubiz)

Have a wonderful weekend!

It was a gray day today so I felt like signing off for the weekend all kinds of bright! I hope you will have a nice time relaxing over the next few days.

Love You Print // DIY Cool Party Hats // Neon Rope & Clothes Rack // Zebra // Bracelet

Speaking Digitally : Up by Jawbone

Jawbone updated their site about Up which is something I have had my eye on for months and is currently resting at the tippity-top of my wish list right now. It is a revolutionary sensor band you wear that tracks your daily activity including your sleep, meals, and exercise and it is supposed to link seamlessly with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. It also has social media features so you can collaborate with friends etc. It is $99 and I can't wait to see one in person. I like that it is a simple design so it seems like it won't get in your way too much. Is Up something you would try or use?

*Update : My husband and I both purchased these and then returned them a few days later because we were bummed that they did not have as many features as we had hoped. We prefer using our phones Nike+ for workouts and My Net Diary for food tracking. I also should have remembered that since I don't like wearing a watch, that I would not like wearing this band either. Ah well.

Flecks of gold...

Happy November 1st, today is such a fun number on the calendar 11/1/11! I cannot believe 2011 is winding down, time to live it up! Feeling flecks of gold today.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Happy Friday!

Have a relaxing fall weekend!

Fun print by Hazel Nicholls

Have wonderful weekend!

Hope your weekend is full of happiness and relaxation!

*A few more snippets from the beach last weekend.

Speaking Digitally : Workout Gear

When it comes to workout gear there are tons of fantastic gadget options out there, it seems like the market is exploding with sweet stuff to enhance your exercise regime.  Let's talk about the cool ones that have recently come out or are coming soon. Here are a few that stand out and are on my upgrade list. Add to the list in the comments if something works well for you too.

1: SportShell Convertible iPhone Case: I have been searching for a better clip system for my iPhone to workout with and this little multi-functional clip system looks like one of the best I've seen around. Clip it on to the strap and bam, off you go!

2: Polar WearLink Transmitter + Nike+:  If you want to see what is going down with your heart and how hard you are working out, I've heard this one works really well (you can wash the band too - not plastic) and it also syncs with the Nike watch and iPod & iPhone gear.

3: Nike+ SportWatch GPS: My brother-in-law has this watch and I've played around with it a bit, it is cool looking and rocks. It tracks your runs with ease giving you lots of information about your distance, pace, elevation, calories, heart rate etc... I hope they come out with a little more feminine sized watch in the future because it is a tad bulky for my wrist, but still super cool.

4: Go Smart: These pedometers are great. You will often find my husband Mac and I wearing a pedometer striving to hit 10,000 steps a day - some days it is a fail, but it is motivating to see the number each evening. We've had many models over the years but have continually liked the Omron brand. I'm sure if you are in a big city getting 10,000 isn't a problem.

5: BodyMedia Armband BW: BodyMedia recently came out with a new armband that syncs directly to your phone and computer. It tracks your calories for the day, your sleep duration and efficiency and more. I have tried their previous model and it was enlightening to see the stats of my day.

6: Jawbone UP : I am curious and anxiously awaiting to learn more about UP which is due to come out later this year. It is a revolutionary new system that tracks your movement and looks pretty slick.

7: Jay Bird Wireless Earbuds : These wireless headphones are remarkable, I tried them on and was surprised at the sound quality and how I would never have to worry about twisted cords or having them fall out of my ears.

Sponsor Highlight : Public Bikes

Public Bikes are incredibly cool. Not only are they beautifully designed but these European-inspired bikes also come 99% assembled to your door ready to ride! What I also think is really great is that they have some awesome accessories to snazzy up your wheels in style. I give Public Bikes major props for really thinking things through with a design-based vision. It makes me smile... real big. Way to go Public and welcome as a sponsor.

 *If you are interested in advertising on Black Eiffel - email blackeiffel@gmail.com for rates.

Speaking Digitally : Personal Finance + YNAB

Personal finances used to consume massive amounts of my time and I often found myself frustrated. I tried many methods when it came to tracking our finances including: various financial software, customized Excel spreadsheets, pen and paper etc... and I was never completely satisfied with a solution. I continually looked for other ways of doing things by asking friends what they did, and researching alternatives.

During New Year's Resolution time (isn't that when you always want to get things in order?) my interest was piqued when I started to read stellar reviews for software called YNAB which is an abbreviation for "You Need A Budget" and I was curious to see what it was all about. I decided to download a free trial copy and voila! After learning the ropes, and methodology, I finally found our personal digital finance guru aka 'assistance in being more disciplined at budgeting'.

I have been using the 'YNAB' method since January and it has made a huge difference. Their emphasis is to assign every single dollar a 'job' so you know exactly where it is going. Some of you are probably down right pros at keeping meticulous financial records and a nice looking budget, but if you need some help give YNAB a whirl (you can even test it out for free it is compatible with everything). It has done great things for our financial outlook and peace of mind.

Photos : Money Origami Shirt photo  // Piggy Banks : 1 2 3 4

(Head's up : I obtained a review copy of YNAB back in January with no strings attached, I would purchase it in a heartbeat.)

Wandering About : Barcelona

Another new series I'm starting is called 'Wandering About' where I will explore dreamy places around the world through the senses. First up is Barcelona, Spain.



Tasting : Cuines Santa-Caterina
Smelling : Fresh Spices in La Boqueira  and Mercat de Santa Caterina
Seeing : Casa Batlló
Listening : Jarabe de Palo - Bonito

Feeling : The wind on a chartered sailboat ride

Staying : Market Hotel


What are you favorite spots to share if you had one day to spend in Barcelona, what shouldn't be missed?


Photo Credits :  1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Have a gorgeous weekend!

Here are some brilliant things that made me smile this week.

1 : Perfect idea for a beach tent from Australian shop Hollie and Harrie via Lovely Morning.
2 : Gorgeous photo and message from Bonnie // photo from J. Crew catalog, May 2010
3 : Furoshiki Wrapping Cloth via Frolic

Have a most lovely weekend!

Kirtsy Relaunch

Yay, have you heard? Kirtsy is relaunching today with a whole new look! I curated a collection of some of my favorite fashion looks that you can see on the new Kirtsy site over here. Happy to see this great site up and going again!

Speaking Digitally: 5 Best Apps for Time Management

This past weekend as my husband Mac and I went off to bike in the beautiful canyon, Mac turned the radio on to NPR in search of one of his favorite Saturday radio shows "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me". But instead, we were instantly transfixed by another segment discussing media theorist Marshall McLuhan and how digital media is shaping not only our lives, but also our perception of time. We were so intrigued by this topic that we actually got to our destination and sat while continually listening nodding our heads to the fact that what Douglas Coupland mentioned referring to this topic was spot on, "Hi, I'm your cell phone and I'm messing with your sense of time." 

Have you ever stopped to wonder what happened to the last seven months? It is almost August and I don’t know where the time has gone! Is it the same way for you? Coupled with baby numero duo, (babies can seriously mess up your time reference) I am amazed at how we are in the midst of a serious fast-paced information evolution that is unfolding before our eyes! Exciting, but maybe a little frightening too? What do you think about this digital and social media heavy span that may be distorting our perception and reality of time? What do you think it will unfold for the future?

Ironically along the subject of time, the past several weeks I have been analyzing where my time is fleeing off to! I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite time management apps that I narrowed down to five, being either super functional and/or well-designed. Please share your favorite time management apps and tricks too, I am curious as to what you are using!

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Bicycle Rush Hour

This is fantastic! When you get a moment watch this 'bicycle rush hour' clip in the Netherlands, it is almost surreal. I really wish we lived in a area that used more bikes instead of cars! What are you thoughts on this?

Method's 'Get Clean' Winner!

Do you remember the fun series of spring cleaning tips and tricks I shared with you for the Method 'GET CLEAN' Contest a few months back? ( see posts here.) Today we are announcing the contest winner!

Katherine Brennan of Pensylvania won the sweepstakes which included a kitchen refresh with an organizational and cleaning expert, kitchen accessories as shown below, a year's supply of Method products and a copy of Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook, yay Katherine! I continue to be a big fan of Method products and am preparing for another big sort and clean this summer season.

*This post is sponsored by Method Home and Martha.