As someone who has an unnatural obsession with iOS devices, I have gone through my fair share of productivity apps, searching for the perfect combo that will allow me to maximize my iPad as an on the go writing solution. Since I now do a majority of my writing from an iPad, I have found that there are a few key apps that keep me productive and focused while I am working, which I can do practically anywhere thanks to the portability of my iPad. I do use a ClamCase Pro keyboard style case to turn my iPad into an ultrabook, which I have written about here. But these are the apps that help me get not only my writing done, but also plan, organize and research my writing topics.

1. Plaintext

When it comes to a perfect writing app for iOS devices, nothing hits the mark like PlainText. It’s simple interface combined with a few key features, such as document organization and word count, make it a word processing gem. As someone who has used countless word processors, I can safely say that PlainText is one of those apps that just gets out of the way and allows the user to write. A full screen mode helps keep you focused on your words without distraction. Since this is one of the view writing apps that is available in a free version, you can give it a whirl without risk, but once you try it, I suggest upgrading to the paid version for a few bucks to remove the ads for a more more immersive and clean writing experience.

2. Paper by 53

A major part of writing for me is processing my ideas and sketching out thoughts. Paper is one of the best sketching apps for creating idea lists and artwork to help you explore your creative side. You can organize your ideas into virtual Moleskine like journals where, like a real journal, you can get creative with handwritten notes, lists and drawings. Again, its free to try but it has a plethora of paid upgrades that you can pick and choose from to customize your own experience. I use it to make lists and outline rough ideas for articles and posts, but it can be used an nearly an infinite variety of ways.

3. DropBox

DropBox is one of those apps that is so useful you hardly remember your using it! It can help you sync DropBox enabled apps like PlainText, so that all your work is available to you on all your devices, or it can be used to transfer and backup your work. Use it to store PDFs and images for reference that can easily be moved from your computer to your iOS device without using valuable space on your portable devices. DropBox is a free app with a limited amount of space on a free subscription, but if you need more you can always upgrade and pay for additional space.

4. MindGenius for iPad

A great add on app that I find infinitely useful is MindGenius, which is basically a full featured mind mapping application for in depth concept development. Its not something that every writer will find necessary, but many will appreciate its simplicity and free price tag. If you are not someone who usually uses mind mapping software, I suggest giving this app a try and see if its something you would find useful for developing your ideas especially for longer pieces of writing.

5. NoteSuite

Every writer needs an app to help them organize their ideas and research. NoteSuite is a simple, low cost app with a variety of uses. Type or handwrite notes, create to do lists to organize article topics, clip webpages for research and reference, and annotate pdf’s and images all from one app. It works with a variety of document and image formats and syncs with DropBox, Google Drive and your Mac, so you can easily backup or move files between devices.

The other week I attended my second Apple Store opening! I am not exactly sure why I love attending these so much, but my husband and I like to collect the free Apple Store shirts they hand out at the door. So, whenever a store opens up in our area, we have a little tradition going to attend the opening, usually video taping the experience (I know, we are that couple)! What’s interesting though, is that each time we attend an opening, we notice that there are always a specific set of people who are in line with us. In case you have never experienced an Apple opening for yourself, I thought I should share my (comical) thoughts on the five types of people in line.

The bragger: Like the name suggests, the bragger is constantly talking about the apple products they own or have owned while they are waiting in line. I’m not sure if this sort of event brings out a sense of nostalgia in these people or what, but you can always spot them with a small group of people surrounding them as they lament how its a pitty indeed that they already own one of everything in the store, because they would really love to make a purchase if only there was something they actually needed during this visit. Clearly, like most in line they are just here for the experience and the free t-shirt, but they don’t want to admit that, so they focus their efforts on trying to figure out something they could buy!

The late comer: The last comers are an interesting group because you’re never quite sure if they just heard about the event and decided to show up, or if they planned to show up late. These folks have arrived 10 minutes before the store’s opening and are bewildered at why they aren’t at the front of the line. Clearly, they have no concept of how an Apple Store opening works, or really understand that people show up hours in advance to line up!  Heck, they didn’t even know the mall opened that early! I secretly believe, however, that these types of people are actually the cleverest, because they do minimal waiting and still end up with a shirt. Seriously, who needs to waste 3 hours of their Saturday morning standing in line at a mall that isn’t even open just to get a shirt and be one of the first in the store?

The android user: These types of people always confuse me the most, not because I question why they are there, but because its always amazing how many of them there are in line. You are never exactly sure why they are there, and sometimes I think they can’t even answer that, but I am pretty convinced that they think it’s a game, denying a spot in line to a true apple fanboy or fangirl! You will usually hear them talking loudly about how androids phones are much better than iPhones and how PCs are far superior computers for gaming than Macs will ever be. Oh, and they will probably just sell the t-shirt on eBay! Such a waste!

The dedicated fanboy: These types are easiest to spot because they are carrying multiple apple products to the opening, including their iPad mini in a dedicated man purse and trying desperately to use more than one iOS device at a time. They are usually documenting their experience to a varying degree through pictures, videos or tweets, and wearing an Apple shirt from a previous event or some screen printed T with an obscure geek reference. You really can’t hate on these guys though because you know they have been planning this social outing for a while and really respect them for their dedication, although the android users are secretly mocking them!

The apple noob: This group includes mostly teenagers and some elderly folks who maybe own an iPhone or iPod? They  really have no clue about apple technology but OMG couldn’t miss this! They are either with their parents, who couldn’t tell you the difference between a iPad and an iMac, or with a group of friends that may or may not include an android user. They are also very loud and taking an obsessive amount of pictures with Apple employees to share via social media. They will most likely spend a few hours in the store trying to download illegal music or switching the default homepage of each computer to a soft core porn site or the desktop background to their current favorite meme. Sigh!

I recently started a new feature on my YouTube channel called My Fave Five. Its basically my monthly favorites cut down to just five items! I know many bloggers do a monthly favorites and I wanted to start as well because I think they are a great way to spotlight certain products that you are loving and to share the good news with everyone! So often we are totally inundated with products and trends that its hard to choose which ones are right for us and worth the hype and money, so I think this is a great way to share great products with others! I would love your feedback if you use any of these items!

Here is my Fave Five for May 2013 with links to where you can find the items as well!

Skull Scarf
here: goo.gl/81B2W

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish
here: goo.gl/IK3R9

Christian Dior Rosy Glow Blush
here: goo.gl/1Xq47

Victoria’s Secret Sexy Little Things Noir Fragrance
here: goo.gl/Xs2zT

Faux Brass Knuckles iPhone case
from Five Below

Yep! Summer is here and so its time to stock up on awesome, colorful and ultra portable tech accessories! There is nothing worse than a clunky and boring iPad keyboard case while you are outside working by the pool or beach, but luckily, I have found five sleek, feminine and unique iPad keyboard cases to keep you looking trendy this summer while you try to mix work and play.

First, I have this very bright and neon colored ultra-slim wireless keyboard case from Bodhi. It folds up super slim in a choice of some bright neons so its perfect for taking with you to lunch or just to throw in your bag to get some work done while you are out of the office. I love that the iPad is secured to the case so that when you use it in keyboard mode, it can’t accidentally fall out!

This Brookstone Silicone Keyboard can be rolled up and tossed in your bag on the go! It pairs wirelessly to your iPad or other Bluetooth device so you don’t need to worry about toting around extra wires and other nonsense. They also come in an array of cute colors for the warmer months and because its silicone, you don’t have to worry about spilling your drink on your keyboard!

Admit it! Pink is your favorite color! So, of course, you just have to have a bright pink, slim keyboard case for your iPad! This iHome Slim Bluetooth Keboard case for iPad is very similar to the Bodhi design, but with a more traditional style keyboard and a slightly smaller price tag. Again, this style keyboard is great protection as well as a functional accessory to help you get more done on the go!

If space is a major issue for you and you want the smallest, most portable wireless keyboard, or if you just want something really high tech and futuristic, this ThinkGeek Cube Laser Virtual Keyboard will have you feeling like a Jetson! This Bluetooth enabled keyboard can connect to many devices and instantly projects a keyboard onto any surface. Just don’t ask me how it works, I couldn’t tell you!

This ZAGGKeys Ultra Slim Keyboard case is a popular choice amongst iPad keyboard users for many reasons. The ergonomic keyboard layout is a fan favorite, similar to the Macbook style keyboard and the case to keyboard design keeps your iPad in its natural glory. Not to mention, its backlit in a variety of bright colors. Not only is it rare to see a backlit iPad keyboard, but its even more rare that you have a choice of colors! Definitely something you will need for a late night work session!

Do you like to shop? Perhaps you work at or spend loads of time at the mall? Would you like to earn rewards for your favorite stores just for stopping by and get extra rewards for your everyday purchases? Well, I have an awesome app to tell you about! Shopkick is an iOS app that basically turns your iPhone and your local shopping mall into a scavenger hunt to earn “kicks” aka points you can redeem for gift cards or items instantly! Shopkick is essentially an ingenious marketing platform where brands and stores reward customers just for visiting the store. With a store based GPS, the ShopKick app knows when you have walked into Target and gives you points simply for walking in. So, now that they have you through the door, what else can they do to entice you to spend money by turning it into the guise of kick collecting activities? Well, you can also earn points by finding and scanning certain items in store. This is really where the scavenger hunt begins. For instance, I went to Target the other day with my ShopKick app in hand and went around the store looking at coffee creamers, gum, magazines and diapers all in an attempt to scan the item for extra kicks. Of course, the stores in question are hoping that you will find the item, like it and then buy it, but being that I am not in the market for diapers, it was easy for me to pass on the item. But other things, like new Healthy Choice meals and current issues of popular magazines really had me thinking that this app is a craft, crafty devil!

Okay, so you can enter stores for points, and scan items for points, but what about earning points for my purchases? Perhaps you went into Target to pick up a cute swim suite and not just to play a very odd high tech game of scavenger hunt? Well, in certain stores, you can link your ShopKick account with your credit card so that when you make those normal everyday purchases your actually getting extra kicks for those as well! And they do add up rather quickly! Granted, you may need to get over the whole “I’m giving the app my credit card information” weirdness, but after that you are actually earning some serious points.

Well, I signed up and I am getting kicks left and right, what can I actually get with these points? Good question! You can actually redeem your points for a number of items, gift cards to target, sephora, starbucks. Eateries like Papa Johns and Restaurant.com. Free RedBox rentals, magazine subscriptions and much more! Now, of course, depending on the number of kicks you have accumulated you will be able to redeem your points for bigger and better items. For 500 kicks, you can get a $2 gift card to Target, for 1000 you get $5. For 425 kicks you can get a free RedBox rental, for 1250 a 6-12 month magazine subscription. 75,000 kicks will earn you a Kate Spade purse, 125,000 a Kitchen Aid mixer! So, that is an idea of what the points will earn you, but how quickly can you get to 1,000 kicks, or 2,500? Well, let me give you a little personal perspective. When I went out to play my scavenger hunt at Target, I also hit the nearby mall. At just a few stores I quickly earned over 500 kicks and that was without spending money! So, if you are someone who frequents the mall, you may find that after a few shopping trips you have earned a $10-$25 gift card and that is without linking your credit card to your ShopKick account. Linking your card earns you even more points. For example, if you spend $75 in Old Navy, you earn 1,000 kicks! That’s a $5 gift card just for making your normal purchases and it can add up week after week.

Overall, I think ShopKick is a clever marketing app that helps drive revenue to stores in a high tech new age medium. For those of us strong willed enough to avoid the sales traps, this app could actually end up being a fun way to earn free stuff and a shopaholics best friend!