Five Mobile Apps to Stay in Mom-trol

Oh, technology. It has stolen countless hours of our precious attention with all those fancy buttons, endless video loops, and so-addictive-they-should-be-illegal games.

Luckily, if used for good instead of evil, the latest technology can actually prevent a mothers mind from turning into mush, instead of being the cause. You've already got the list-maker, the day planner, and the audio recorder, but there are so many more creative apps that you never knew you needed!

Here are five top mobile apps to make life easier for tech-savvy mummies in a hurry:

Have AllRecipes.com's most popular recipes at the shake of your hand for those busy weeks with no time to meal plan! Specify the ingredients you have on hand and search through the results according to nutritional information, browse the recipe reviews, then bookmark your favourites! With this app by All Recipes, Inc., mealtime was never so easy. Plus the spinning action is a workout for your wrists.

Platform: iPhone
Price: FREE (DinnerSpinnerPro $2.99)

When a family needs to make a purchase, who has the time or energy to shop around for the best price? Scan a barcode with this app by Underscore AB, and immediately get price comparisons between Amazon, Google Products, NexTag, Kelkoo or iTunes (the Pro version has many more). Read product reviews, bookmark items, email shopping lists, and even make orders straight from your phone. Actually, it might be a mixed blessing for shopping to be this easy.

Platform: iPhone
Price: FREE (Underscore Price Checker Pro $0.99)

It may be tiring, but running after a toddler or weight training with groceries does not a proper workout make. Working moms, or those with access to a chair, may want to check out this app designed by Interave Media, which features instructional videos for office-friendly exercises, including the lower body, upper back, stretches, desk and chair stretches, and office yoga. Show both the kids and the boss who's the boss.

Platform: iPhone
Cost: $0.99

Chances are your kids aren’t the only critters that need to be corralled! Pets have meals, appointments, and social schedules of their own, and this app by Vurgood Applications helps owners keep up with their four-legged family members. Organize important information like medical history, registration, veterinarian contact information, upcoming appointments, and even schedule pet get-togethers with friends! Take pictures of the furry fellows having a great time and share them on social media, or locate nearby pet stores and hospitals if the playdate goes sour.

Platform: iPhone
Cost: $2.99

If your neighbour took investment advice from Charlie Sheen, would you do it too? Just because they enjoy their school or summer camp over another shouldn’t be enough to convince a mother that it’s the right choice for their own sprouting scholar or adventurer. These apps by Our Kids Publications Ltd. let you search through hundreds of schools or camps by location, age, type, or budget, or simply use a GPS to find those closest to you. Look deeper into individual profiles, contact them directly through the app, and bookmark your favourites for later. You can even stay connected with the latest in education and camp news with links to Our Kids Medias daily blog and events calendar! Soon the Joneses will be regretting those stock options, and their kids will be asking for the numbers of your new school or camp.

Platform: iPhone, coming soon to Android and Blackberry
Price: FREE

Five Mobile Apps to Stay in Mom-trol

Making life easier for tech-savvy mummies