Really useful writing apps for the ipad

Once upon a time I was a naysayer of Apple products. I wasn't necessarily "anti,"  I just didn't see the point of switching from my PC.  Until I just couldn't fight it any longer. My PC would constantly freeze up and in the morning and when I sat down to work I had to wait for the little man on a bicycle that powered my computer to rev up Before I could get started. Annoying.

And so I now write über happily on my iPad.  In the process of switching I have found these three super cool apps for writers. 

The first, and most 'serious writing' oriented is Manuscript

This has been a complete revelation for my writing process. Now, because everyone has a different way to organize when they write I'm sure this won't be a miracle for everyone, but its worth a shot. You can organize all of your different writing projects separately.  It has great chapter, folder, and index cards, and you can export all your writing to Dropbox or wherever you safeguard your writing.

Next up is Chronicle

This app is great for capturing memories- I've been using it as a digital scrapbook for my sons daily pics and cute little things he does. You can add text and pictures and use it as a daily journal. Simple layout and function. I dig it.

Last but not least is Scribble

This app is designed for kids, and I can't wait until my son can use it. The app allows you to draw, add stickers, and write text to create your own books.  They can even upload their books to ibooks. I think this is a cool tool for adults as well if they are writing a children's book-seems like a cool way to draft up and organize ideas.
Happy Writing!

Gorgeous day trip

This past Mother's day my family and I visited Grounds for Sculpture in Trenton, NJ.  This sculpture garden is a hidden gem.  The grounds of this property are absolutely massive (it took us two separate trips to see almost all of it). The grounds alone are worth the trip, but to top it off amazing sculptures and architecture are scattered throughout the gardens. There is also a cute cafe with an outside eating space, and a bar where you can buy a nice glass of wine (or beer, whatever blows your skirt up) to enjoy while you stroll around the grounds.

Seriously, is this not the cover of a novel? Makes me want to read Wuthering Heights again. If you visit this garden you can have the experience of being in that novel without the emotional devastation. Win-win.

This is a little building hidden amongst some weeping willows.  When you are in this spot it feels like monet is going to jump out and yell at you for disturbing his painting spot. (Please don't read this and think it would be a cool idea to write a story about impressionist zombies. The literary world thanks you in advance.)

There are a plethora of peacocks on this property as well.  Very cool. Also cool? apparently they can fly. well, kind of. This fella got a little too ambitious and we were pretty sure he was stuck up in this tree-for a while. He flew up there on our way in and was still calling to his friends for assistance when we were on our way out.

Nature's show-off

 This place is definitely worth checking out. Here's the link to their site if you are interested in more info: Grounds for Sculpture.

Beautiful Journals: The Nemisis of the Writer's Block Gnome

I love journals- of all kinds. I love cheap journals from Staples, leather-bound beauties, and hand-printed numbers.  Aside from a fresh idea or inspiration nothing gets those writing juices flowing quite like a fresh new journal.  I'm thinking of starting a recipe journal, so lets go shopping.
Handmade Leather Wrapped Journal

How gorgeous is this? These hand-stamped leather journals are completely customizable and only $25.

Chevron Lined Journal

I always enjoy writing in a ringed binder, $13.

Small Octopus Flip-Journal

Love this little fella. Great for a small counter note-book...maybe even recipes. $9.

Wooden Hand-Crafted Journal

This is just beautiful. It's kind of functional art, $49


And my new obsession, journal cards...
 Vintage Bird Journal Cards

$4.25

 Mason Jar Journal Cards

$3, Set of 6 cards

Hand-Aged Journal Cards

$3, set of 4 cards

Over at Like This, Try That's sister blog,  Blonde on a Ladder, You can check out DIY ideas for making journal boxes.
Happy Journaling!