Digital Toolkit
When you have a question I try to help you the best I can, but it is also important to go directly to the sources.
Below I have compiled a list of websites that might help you, as well as a list of what I am using / have used along with my recommendations.
**I absolutely do not receive any compensation from any of the links. They are solely meant to just be helpful.**
Note Taking Apps
The websites below are one that I know work with my products, however there are so many newer apps, I am sure I don’t have all of them. Always, always download my free trials to see if the app you are using works before you make a purchase.
Noteful →
Customers have said that the apps below work with my products too, but I have not personally used them, so be sure to download my free trials to double check.
Penly →
Reddit Groups
Reddit was extremely helpful when I first started out and it continues to be. I highly recommend joining a group and learning from others.
My Set-Up
These are the products I currently use and why, plus products I have previously used and my thoughts. There are links to some products, but again it is only to help you. I do not receive anything from these links.
I am expanding my current set-up to include everything that is making me the most productive I can be in case they could help you too!
July 2024
iPad Pro 13″ → The best iPad I have ever owned. Somehow it is bigger, yet smaller and thinner and lighter than my 12.9″! They knocked it out of the park with this one. Much love.
Apple Pencil Pro → The squeezing feature is 10/10 – much better than that double tap thing on the previous pencil.
No screen protector → I am living dangerously, I know. Paperlike did not have their protectors out the same time as the iPads and I freaked out until my husband pointed out that I never have one on my iPhone (good point dear). It took a tiny bit to get used to writing without it, but I do love it. I just got the Paperlike in the mail and have been using nothing for 6+ weeks. I won’t be putting it on unless something happens to change my mind. I love the vibrant look and feel of the plain screen.
No pencil grip → It’s summer now and my fingers handle the pencil better. In the winter I usually have a grip on because it is drier here and my fingers slip on the pencil more :-)
My Productivity Essentials
Reminders App, Apple Watch & iPhone → This is my trifecta of productivity and time management. Speaking into my watch or phone to quickly add ideas and to-dos to my lists has been truly a game changer for me.
Walking Pad → In March 2023 I completely stopped sitting while working. I already had an Ikea desktop and I added the stand mechanism (I watched my husband assemble it) and then bought this walking pad. It took a tiny bit to get used to, but WOW am I glad I did it. It’s funny because I have never had so much energy, yet I am walking 13,000+ steps before lunch! Plus I don’t have to fit in time to exercise because I am multitasking!
Prior to 2024
iPad Pro 11″ → A truly great size and it fit neatly into my handbag when needed, but I couldn’t resist the larger one after using my daughter’s.
iPad Pro 12.9 → Best purchase for me. I can see how the size could be too big for other people, but for my needs it is perfect.
iPad Mini → I actually won one of these! I kept it to see how it worked with my products and this is the reason I created the landscape/portrait notebooks and planners, so you could easily make the writing space bigger.
Apple Pencil → I tried other pencils before getting the Apple Pencil because I didn’t want to spend the money, but in the end nothing worked as beautifully as the Apple Pencil. (in my opinion)
Paperlike Screen Protector → 100% recommend. I was hesitant to the price at first, but you do get 2 of them and they blow away their competition.
Full Pencil Grip → I go back and forth on the grips. it is just a personal thing truly, but I do like this the best of all the full grips. It doesn’t suppress the magnetic connection to the iPad. (not available anymore on Amazon)
Small Pencil Grip → Same with the small grips, I like this the best of all the ones I have tried. However because it is bulky on one end of the pencil, it doesn’t sit as nicely on the iPad. (in my opinion)