Reminders

I have a decent memory... but some days are so fractured by the variety of things on my plate, I don’t always feel like I do!

Using the Apple Reminders app on my phone can really save my bacon.  Although I DO love the satisfaction of literally crossing something off my to-do list...  the features in the app have made it a game changer for me.

• Siri - I’ll be honest - sometimes her voice recognition (or lack thereof) makes me a little crazy. However, the fact that I can ask her remind me of something when my hands are busy - or full - is wonderful. I can say things like, “Hey Siri, add ‘vacuum bags’ to my shopping list” as I’m putting the last one in the vacuum.

• Because I let Apple track my location, I can create location-based reminders. This is great when I’m out and about and think to myself, “I need to get the meat out of the freezer as soon as I get home.” I tell Siri and my phone dings with a reminder as I pull into the driveway.

• Reminder dates are terrific for those things that I need to remember in awhile. For example, last time I saw the eye doctor, she told me to plan to come back in 3 years. Since the office allows one to book 6 months ahead of time, I added a reminder for 30 months from now to book an appointment. I may forget in that time, but Apple won’t!

• Recurring reminders are perfect for things I that I need to do regularly. I use it to remind me to give my dog his heartworm medicine and to periodically change the filter on my HVAC.

• Reminder lists can be shared. I know quite a few families that use this feature with their grocery list so that everyone can add what they’d like from the grocery store and whoever makes the trip can meet everybody’s needs.