Friday, August 7, 2015

I HAVE AN APP!

I know I posted a week or so ago about how BlogFest was a disappointment, but I would be lying if I said I didn't walk away with a few good chunks of wisdom.

One such nugget of knowledge was about creating your own smartphone app! HOLY GUACAMOLE, who knew?! I thought only the rich and famous could make things for the app store, but I was mistaken (shhhh... don't tell the hubby I admitted that, he thinks I am NEVER wrong ;))... Apparently anyone with enough time and patience can make an app! (Of course, I'm sure if you have oodles and oodles of money you could pay someone to make you something super snazzy, but since we haven't won the lottery and since this blog thing is just a hobby that does NOT pay the bills that isn't a realistic option.)

As I have mentioned many times before, my hubby is a super talented graphic designer (check out his online portfolio if you would like). A couple weeks back he helped me update my blog header and then used it to make me some business cards (you know, in case I ever want to feel official or something).


Well, the app itself contains my blog, my Instagram feed, and my Twitter feed. Can you say AWESOMESAUCE?! I was able to use the business card as the launch screen for the app and then sort of plop everything else in where I wanted it to go (the program was very user friendly, but, unfortunately, there are a few limitations to what I am able to do with it).

So I totally realize my parents might be the only ones who want to stay THAT up-to-date on the goings on in my life, but, hey, a girl can dream ;) Honestly though, I am not sure how everyone follows blogs these days (I used to use Google Reader, but since that disappeared I know a lot of folks have let their blog following days fall by the wayside), so I wanted to offer an alternative to bookmarking my site in your browser. This is an AWESOME way to stay current on CarleeMcDot.Com.

Now I want to warn you, I am still trying to perfect everything. Currently there is not a way to link back to the original post (say in Safari) and some of the formatting is a bit funky, BUT it IS a convenient way to check in on my blog and see a brief snapshot of what's going on!

What the Blog tab looks like. The three most recent posts are located
in the scrolling menu at the top, with older posts listed below that.

Pretty cool to have your own app on your phone, right?! 

Now, for the moment you've been waiting for... How do you get the app? As of right now, it is only available for Apple users (sorry Android-ians...) - for both iPhones and iPads. Apparently it should be coming to the Google Play market soon, but I don't want to get your hopes up with any set timeframe. If you are an Apple user, you can get it TODAY in the iTunes App Store HERE.

What it looks like in the iTunes App Store (at least from my iPhone)

Okay, so it might not be the coolest thing since sliced bread and I promise I am working on ironing out some of the kinks, BUT I think it is still pretty spifferific! Obviously the app is free, so feel free to download it if you are interested (no pressure though). If you do download it and play around a bit, I would LOVE to hear your feedback (whether it is good or bad! BE HONEST!). Maybe it will turn into the preferred mode for followers to read the blog... Or maybe it was just a "fun" way to spend a weekend...

How do you follow your favorite blogs?

6 comments:

Cecil said...

Pretty cool workings you got going on here.

Linz @SharpEndurance said...

Ok basically love this idea and I'm sour I didn't think of it first haha. Way to go and think outside the box, Carlee! LOVE IT!

Ange @ Cowgirl Runs said...

I love it!
I started setting my blog up on DWNLD but then stopped because....I don't know why.
So, time to get back to it!

Rebeca CH. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rebeca CH. said...

I will download your application. I think that it is an amazing tool to keep up with you. I already visit your blog everyday anyways. I will be running my first half marathon this Fall and I read your blog to incorporate some of the things that you do in my training! (you are my role model and I love your fun personality). Greetings all the way from Mexico and have a nice weekend! :)

Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes said...

Wow!! So fun! I had no idea one could just make their own app! Very cool!