We often view tech as a way to stay safe or organized, but did you know it’s also one of the best ways to supercharge your favorite hobbies? Whether you’ve been gardening for decades or you’re the master of the family kitchen, there are some incredible (and simple!) tools that can make your passions even more enjoyable.
Today, we’re looking at how your smartphone or tablet can become your new favorite hobby companion!
In the Kitchen: Your Digital Sous-Chef 🥧
Gone are the days of squinting at tiny text in a weathered cookbook. Your tablet or phone can make cooking a whole new experience!
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Hands-Free Recipes: Use your smart speaker (like Alexa or Google Home) to read recipes aloud while your hands are covered in flour. Just say, “Hey Google/Alexa, read the next step!”
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YouTube Cooking Classes: Want to learn how to poach the perfect egg or fold a pie crust? Search YouTube for “How to…” videos. It’s like having a world-class chef standing right next to you!
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Inventory Apps: Tired of buying a jar of cinnamon only to realize you already had two? Use a simple Notes app to keep a “Pantry List” so you always know what’s in stock before you head to the store.
In the Garden: A Green Thumb’s Best Tool 🌱
Gardening is a science and an art, and tech can help you master both without even getting your hands dirty (until it’s time to plant!).
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Plant Identifiers: Ever see a beautiful flower on a walk and wonder what it is? Apps like PictureThis or even the built-in “Visual Look Up” on your iPhone camera can tell you exactly what a plant is just by taking a photo of its leaf!
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Watering Reminders: We all get busy! Use your Calendar or Reminders app to set a “Water the Ferns” alert every Tuesday and Friday so your leafy friends never go thirsty.
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Sun Tracking: There are apps that show you exactly where the sun will be in your yard at different times of the year, helping you pick the perfect spot for those sun-loving tomatoes. 🍅
Crafting & Creating: Find Your Community 🧶
Whether you knit, paint, or work with wood, the internet is a giant clubhouse for people who love what you love.
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Pinterest for Inspiration: Pinterest is like an endless, digital corkboard. Search for “Easy knitting patterns” or “Watercolor ideas” and “pin” the pictures you like to your own digital board to save for later.
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Online Communities: Websites like Ravelry (for yarn lovers) or local Facebook Groups are great places to share photos of your finished projects, ask for advice, and meet other “makers” in your area.
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Magnifying Tools: If your project is a bit hard to see, use the “Magnifier” app on your phone. It turns your phone screen into a high-powered magnifying glass with a built-in flashlight! 🔦
Birdwatching & Nature: Your Pocket Field Guide 📚
If you love the great outdoors, your phone can help you identify the world around you in real-time.
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Merlin Bird ID: This amazing (and free!) app can identify birds just by listening to them sing. Just hold your phone up in your backyard, and it will tell you exactly which bird is making that beautiful sound. 🦜
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Star Gazing: Apps like SkyView let you point your phone at the night sky to see exactly which stars, planets, and constellations are looking back at you.
Tech Tip: Protect Your Gadgets! 🚨
When you’re out in the garden or busy in the kitchen, remember to keep your tech safe:
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The “Ziploc” Trick: If you’re following a recipe and don’t want flour on your screen, put your tablet in a clear plastic gallon bag. You can still use the touch screen right through the plastic!
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Stay in the Shade: Phones can overheat if left in the direct sun while you’re gardening. Keep it in your pocket or a shaded spot nearby.
As you can see, technology isn’t just about “fixing” things—it’s about adding more joy to the things you already love to do. Give one of these a try this week!
Whether you would like guidance downloading a new hobby app or setting up your smart speaker in the kitchen, remember our Sharks are always here to help you navigate it!