Pea of Sweetness

Chronicles (iOS app) Review

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ChroniclesDo you know how you’re spending your time? Do you feel like you have a good organization system but still can’t get everything done? Well, that is what I had going on. I just couldn’t understand why I wasn’t getting things done when I *thought* I was better managing my time. So, when I had the chance to review the Chronicles app I don’t know who was more excited – my husband or myself! He was always telling me that my perception of time and how much time I was ACTUALLY spending on a task were two totally different things. So, I knew this would be a great app for me!
The Chronicles app can be used on both the iPhone and iPad (if you zoom to 2x). I usually used it on my iPhone, though, since I always have it with me whereas my iPad is with me a lot of the time but not all of the time. The biggest issue where I was having time concerns was my computer time. Obviously as a blogger I do spend a fair amount of time on the computer. The problem doesn’t lie in my work per se, but the fact that I don’t focus on just my work and tend to do many other things while I’m working on things for my blog. It is really easy for me to get caught up on Facebook when I plan on getting on there to network to start chatting with people, visiting other groups, pages, etc. Before I know it, I’ve been on Facebook for an hour when I meant to be on there for 15 minutes just to post a couple of things on my page or in my blogging groups! I also get in the habit of going on “rabbit trails” when I’m posting something and am reminded of something else, so I go look that up real quick. Again, I end up spending time on the web I didn’t intend to spend! Without a visual reminder like the Chronicles app, though, I realized it was happening, but I didn’t know how extreme the problem was. There is something different about looking at the clock and realizing “oh, it’s only 7:30” vs. “oh, wow! I’ve been online for 2 hours!” They are totally different mind sets. The first one is “it’s still an hour before the kids’ bed time,” and the second one is “I’ve been on the computer an hour longer than I planned.”
TimerSo here is how I’ve been using the Chronicles app to better plan my time. First I started by using the app to track how long I was online. I created a profile for myself, “Em,” with my picture (fun, right?) and the activity, “online” and added it to my Favourites so I would have immediate access to it each time. Once I started on the computer I would start the timer. Each day I started cutting out more unnecessary activities to reduce the time I was on the computer. Once I got it down to a comfortable time I started using the timer to count down. So I would set the timer for an hour, and when it was up I had to finish what I was doing (no cheating!) and I was done. I give myself a few times a day to be online but only for specific periods of time each day, and the Chronicles app is what helped me create a “work schedule” for myself. My blog IS my business, and a work schedule is exactly what I needed! I can then go in to the Chronicles and view all the activities that have been recorded!
I have tried using various stopwatch and timer apps in the past, but nothing has been as feature rich as Chronicles! It’s nice to be able to create a profile to each family member and assign specific activities. I was able to use it for so much more than just creating a work schedule for myself! I was able to keep track of “screen time” for the kids – computer and iPad time as well as study time, chores, physical activity, etc. The possibilities are endless! The chronicles feature allows you to store all of this information if you choose so you can refer back to it when needed!

For More Information:

Visit the Chronicles Website
Connect with eMCeSqrd on Facebook
Follow eMCeSqrd on Twitter
Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own and may be different than yours.

Caillou World App Review

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About the app:

Join Caillou and friends and family as you explore his world and learn about letters, words, spelling and phonics!
Features:

  • 7 different scenes to explore, with big clues and small
  • Over 100 pictures to find and letter pairs to learn
  • For ages 2-5
  • Challenges adapt to your developing skill
  • Original music and a friendly narrator

My review:

Our kids are big fans of Caillou, so I was really excited to have them try this app. As usual, our 2 year old was the first to get to it! I wasn’t sure how he would do since it does have letters, which he’s not too familiar with yet. The way the app is set up, though, is so that it is not discouraging if you guess incorrectly. It’s very encouraging, which I think is great. I’ve actually seen a few “learning apps” that are kind of harsh when the child guesses incorrectly. The Caillou’s World app, though, was very positive and encouraging. Our 2 year old particularly loved that the pictures would start off “plain,” and would fill in with color as you go along. He loved “coloring” the pictures. Our older 2 kids really enjoyed more of the letters – and helping Chaz learn the letters. I think that was the most enjoyable part for me is that they enjoyed playing it together and helping out their little brother with the letters so he could enjoy his favorite part of “coloring” the pictures. As they proceed through it they earn stars, which sets goals for them to reach as well. I love that it rewards them for their work because our kids respond best to reinforcement based learning. I always think it’s great when you can find characters your kids love and offer that learning experience, too! It really encourages them to learn and have fun while doing it!
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For More Information:

Visit the Night & Day Studios Website
Connect with Night & Day Studios on Facebook
Follow Night & Day Studios on Twitter.

*Giveaway!!! (Ended 2/25)*

About the Giveaway: This giveaway begins on 2/20 at 12:01am and ends on 2/25 at 11:59pm (times are EST) and is open Worldwide. Please refer to the full terms and conditions in the Giveaway Tools.

The Prize: THREE lucky winners will receive a code for the Caillou World app for either iPhone or iPad (Winner’s choice)

Disclosure: I received the product mentioned above in exchange for my honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products I feel would be good for my readers. My opinions are my own and my family’s and may be different than yours. Pea of Sweetness is not responsible for prize fulfillment.