3 Free Photo Editing Apps for iPhone/ iPad

1. Photoshop Express
Developer: Adobe

This is generally good for all photos. It includes basic photo editing features of cropping, adjusting brightness, contrast and color saturation. There's also many cool filters to use such as the 'vibrant' one that makes all of the colors pop.

Click here to get the app

2. More Beaute 2
Developer: more-thing Company Limited

This tool is great for face portraits, it makes everything look brighter and smoother in one easy step.

Click here to get the app

3. iRetouch Free
Developer: Nick Drabovich

This app will let you get into more detailed photo editing such as replacing parts of the photo, blurring, smudging, etc. of course, it's easier to use on a bigger screen of the iPad.

Click here to get the app

Help for broken iPhone/ iPad buttons

If your phone is past its warranty window and you're still waiting for an upgrade, here are some tips. Read on for tips to work around faulty or totally broken buttons.

For broken lock/ power or volume buttons:

Enable Assistive Touch by following these selections...

>Settings
>General
>Accessiblity
>Assistive Touch
>Enable Assistive Touch


You now have a white circle always present on the screen. From there, tap 'device' and find virtual lock screen button and volume buttons.

(You can drag the white circle around on the screen. To turn phone off, hold down virtual lock screen button)


For a broken home button:

Enable Assistive touch by following instructions above. Use the virtual home button and tap twice for app-switching.

If your home button is completely dead you won't want to lock your phone with the lock button.

Plug the phone into a charger in order to get the screen on.

Use one of these free apps to "lock" your screen. These apps were all created to protect photos/ videos, however, you can use them as a lock by setting up the password and starting the app to lock your phone. Keep in mind that you need to disable auto-lock in settings and your battery will be drained faster than if the phone were normally locked.

I would suggest leaving your chosen app on your home screen. It's your preference to put media in them or not.

1) Photo Password Free
Developer: Revolutionary concepts

You can use one of these new, cool picture gesture passwords by drawing a design on a photo of your choice. It's harder for people to guess and the possibilities are endless. Upgrade for 99 cents if you don't want to be bothered with ads.

Click here to get the app

2) Dot Lock Secure Media Locker Lite
Developer: David Lane

You can have a dot lock like all of your awesome Android friends. There's quite a few different types passwords you can set up using this app. Also, you can enable the app to snap a photo of people who try to "break in" your phone. Upgrade to no ads for 99 cents.

Click here to get the app

3) Private Photo Vault
Developer: William Sidell

You can have something very close to the traditional apple lock by using this app. A nice 4 digit pin. Upgrade to pro for $2.99 but the ads aren't all that bothersome in the free version

Click here to get the app

5 Free Apps for Holiday Shopping

1. Google Shopper
Developer: Google, Inc.

Find every item you want and know that it's in stock at the store before making your way out. There's a search option for local and online stores. You simply need a few keywords to search. It also gives you a price scanner in your pocket while in stores.

Click here to get the app

2. Cardstar
Developer: CardStar Publishing, LLC

Load up all of your rewards cards so that you don't have to go searching through your wallet when you need it. It is very convenient.

Click here to get the app

3. Mall Maps
Developer: V.B. and Smith

Here's a handy tool for viewing a map of your local mall (US only). You can see all the stores by level and it will hopefully get you out of the madness a little sooner.

Click here to get the app

4. Shopkick
Developer: shopkick

Get rewards for simply being inside (or near stores) when you check-in on the app. The points are earned towards gift cards of your choice.

Click here to get the app

5. Black Friday Survival Guide
Developer: Sazze, Inc.

You can view all of the deals organized by store and by category, as well as create a shipping list within the app.

Click here to get the app

4 Free Essential iPhone Apps

Virtually everyone has a use for these apps and they should definitely be on your iPhone.

1. Chrome
Developer: Google, Inc.

Google account users will enjoy this alternative to Safari. Surf the web, access easy in-app settings, and save bookmarks to your Google account.

Click here to get the app

2. Fandango
Developer: Fandango

Look up movie times, find local theaters and get directions/ phone number, watch previews, see critic rating and buy tickets.

Click here to get the app

3. Yelp
Developer: Yelp

Find local reviews on any sort of business you need, from tattoo shops to dentists to restaurants, there is probably a review for it here. You can also find business hours, address, phone number and directions. It's a good way to discover new things and get more information before making your way to the place.

Click here to get the app

4. Flashlight
Developer: iHandy, Inc.

The app does exactly what it sounds like, puts a flashlight on your phone using the iPhone camera flash. It's helpful in emergencies, leave it on your home page or dock for easy access.

Click here to get the app

11 Free Puzzle Games

I got the idea for this post from a friend who enjoys games of a puzzling nature. They are great for occupying your mind with a pleasant distraction.

1. Save the Pencil Lite
Developer: Perfect Dimension

Draw your way to safety and collect as many stars as you can along the way. It's fun and provides enough challenge to be stimulating.

Click here to get the app

2. Bag It! Lite
Developer: Hidden Variable Studios

Bag the cute, animated groceries in a way that will preserve their fragile condition. This game is fun for all ages.

Click here to get the app

3. Zentomino Lite
Developer: Little White Bear Studios, LLC

This game is a little more difficult and time consuming to master. It's like those puzzles with many little pieces that take a long time to complete (but not as bad).

Click here to get the ap

4. MazeFinger Plus
Developer: ngmoco, LLC

A quick and easy game to learn. It adds the exciting element of speed to the traditional draw your way out of the maze activity.

Click here to get the app

5. Cut the Rope Free
Developer: Chillingo Ltd

If you have a penchant for physics, this could be the game for you. I am not partial to it myself and I play it to get a better grip on the physical laws of the universe. Cut the ropes to feed the small, cute monster candy.

Click here to get the app

6. Sudoku 2
Developer: Finger Arts

This classic game is a must for true puzzle fans. I'm sure it's exercising some mental ability. See if you can finish without giving up!

Click here to get the app

7. Snappers
Developer: Emerging Banking LLC

This is an original game where you "snap" little creatures into many pieces, clearing out other creatures in the pathway of the debris. It involves planning and spatial reasoning.

Click here to get the app

8. Move It!
Developer: Optime Software LLC

I enjoy this game a little more than its similar app, Unlock Me, because you are able to move the pieces any where there is space as opposed to one plane. It's also a little more colorful. But you are basically trying to move a certain piece to the "exit"

Click here to get the app

9. Cross Fingers Free
Developer: Mobigame

The zen like design of this game makes it more relaxing than other puzzle games. You are moving multiple pieces together to make a particular shape.

Click here to get the app

10. Zookeeper
Developer: Kiteretsu, Inc.

Don't be overwhelmed by the jam-packed visuals, give the directions a double look and you'll see the concept is easy. Rearrange animals to make rows of three or more. They are pretty cute too, in that Lego sort of way.

Click here to get the app

11. The Moron Test Section 1
Developer: Distinct Dev, Inc.

If you're feeling the need to humble yourself, try and fly through this "moron test". It is pretty entertaining and more tricky than your average puzzle.

Click here to get the app

3 Apps to Expand Your Mobile Storage

The limited storage capacity on iPhone and iPad need not hold you back from having all the documents, PDFs, images and videos available on your device.

Here are 3 of my favorite free options to access those items without jamming up your memory. Take your pick!


1. Google Drive
Developer: Google, Inc.

Get this app if you are looking to work with documents.

If you are already using Google in your life as much as I am, it makes sense to go with this option. You can store docs, pics, videos and google docs that were created online from this app. It syncs with your Google account. There's a desktop program for easy syncing and you start off with 5GB free.

Click here to get the app

2. Dropbox
Developer: Dropbox

Get this app of you are want easy photo uploading along with storage for documents.

When you sign up, you get 2GB of storage. You can increase this storage by purchasing more or referring friends to sign up. Also, if you allow automatic camera roll uploads, you get additional free storage.

This free app syncs with Dropbox.com. There is also a desktop application to keep you synced on that end. You can upload or download pics, videos, docs, etc from any of those access points.

Click here to get the app

3. Skydrive
Developer: Microsoft Corporation

Get this app if you simply want a lot of free storage.

Microsoft and Windows Live fans may appreciate this app more. It syncs with your Windows live account on skydrive.com. You can save and access pics, videos, and docs.

Big bonus for this app is the most free storage capacity at 7GB to start.

Click here to get the app

*Tip: How to upload*

For all 3 of these apps, there are 2 methods to upload from your iphone or camera.

1) From within the app:
Find the upload option and select items from the camera roll (only pics or vids)

2) From within another application such as email, Pages, etc:
Find the item and select "open with" option... from there you can choose the app you want the file to save to such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

3 Must-have Free Flight Apps & More

If you're taking any flights in the near future, which you might be for the holiday season, put these on your phone!

1. Flysmart
Developer: Sapient

This app will give you all of the information you need about the airport you are in or need to get to such as nearby restaurants, transportation information, weather, and a map of the airport.

Click here to get the app


2. Tripcase
Developer: Sabre Inc.

With an easy set-up and the input of your ticket information beforehand, you will always have the updated info for you flight in the palm of your hand, including those pesky last minute gate-changes and flight delays.

Click here to get the app


3. Kayak
Developer: kayak.com

Most people know about this website to search for the cheapest possible flight. Don't forget they have an app and it can also be used for hotels. Of course, double check for your flight on the particular airline website itself where special deals may apply.

Click here to get the app

Last off, all major airlines have an app nowadays that can be used to check in, request a change in flight etc. so stock your phone or tablet with that too.

Don't forget to check the post on games you can play while in flight (don't need Internet) here and some more classics here.