The holidays can be crazy. From shopping and cooking, to holiday parties and get-togethers, there’s so much to do and not a lot of time to do it. But with a little help from these iPhone and Android apps, you can get through the holidays without breaking the bank, and with a little more ease and enjoyment!
Epicurious
Epicurious just might be the only app you need to get through the holidays. It’s my new favorite app, and I haven’t even begun my Christmas baking yet! The “cook’s companion”offers everything from holiday dessert and dinner recipes to low calorie recipes. It even has kid-friendly categories with meals like Carroty Mac and Cheese and Cupcake Chicken – yes, cupcake chicken! And it’s not just for the vets in the kitchen – Epicurious has an “I can barely Cook” category for those who aren’t quite on Emeril Legassi’s level.
Browse through hundreds of recipes complete with photos, directions, and reviews. When you see something you like, just add the recipe to your favorites folder, which you can sort alphabetically or by most recently added. Then when it’s time to go grocery shopping, you just click a button and all the ingredients you need are added to your shopping list. Not the one doing the grocery shopping? No problem – email the recipe or shopping list to the person who is!
Another great feature is the search function; search by the main ingredient, the type of meal, dietary considerations…even by season! But my absolute favorite part about this app, and what makes it so perfect for the holidays, is it’s “Edible Gifts” section. You can browse through a variety of recipes that make delicious, homemade gifts for the holidays, like Chocolate Almond Bark with Sea Salt, Walnut-Thyme Honey and Boozy Olives for the martini drinkers on your list! There’s even a recipe for chocolate hazelnut spread! I can’t think of anyone on my list who wouldn’t loved a jar of homemade Nutella!
Coupon Sherpa
There are so many deals this time of year, whether it’s at clothing stores, online websites, or even luxury spa services. The problem is, there are too many sales to keep track of! With Coupon Sherpa, you can browse through the store list before you go to see where all the deals are, or you can do a quick last-minute coupon search while you’re in the check out line! Coupons can be opened and scanned right from your smartphone, emailed out to yourself and others to print, or sent directly to your store card where they will be automatically applied when you check out.
Calorie Counter
How does a calorie counting app help you get through the holidays? The average person gains anywhere from 2 to 5 pounds from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, thanks to lots of family get-togethers, dinner parties, and eating on-the-go. But an app that helps you keep track of calories and find the best options at restaurants and fast food chains will keep holiday pounds at bay. Calorie Counter has one of the largest food and exercises databases available, so you can keep track calories consumed and burned (those shopping trips count, too!) Keeping a food/exercise journal is proven to be a successful weight loss tool, and it can be your saving grace during the holidays. You won’t gain weight if you make yourself accountable. Calorie Counter gives you customized meal plans, exercise programs, fitness tips, and much much more. What’s really great is that it works offline too, so you don’t have to use up all your data or worry about not having a connection in a fast food joint when you need it most.
Amazon Mobile
Amazon Mobile is a free shopping app that allows users to quickly search, shop, scan barcodes to compare prices, and read
reviews. It’s the only shopping companion you’ll need this holiday season. Scan the barcode or snap a photo of the product and you’ll automatically see if it’s the best price available, and where you can find it on cheaper. Plus, you can easily purchase anything on Amazon with its secure 1-Click checkout. Amazon has just about everything you’re looking for, and now you can have it with you at your fingertips! Never overpay for anything again.
Mixology Drink Recipes
Whether you love to whip up complicated cocktails or you’re more of a whiskey and coke kind of gal, Mixology is a must-have app for the holidays. Search through over 7,900 drink recipes, from cocktails to jello shots and shooters, learn bartending techniques and terminology, and even create a drink based on what you already have on hand. Browse by liquor, mixers, and even garnish! It’s an app that will certainly come in hand next time you find yourself lost in the liquor store!