Product Review: MeetMindful, the new dating app

Tired of feeling like you’re being swiped just for your profile pic?

Friends, you might like a new dating app called MeetMindful that has come onto the scene. MeetMindful is the dating app for people who are interested in conscious living. The front webpage of the app has a photo of a guy with a man bun. Enough said.

The good folks at MeetMindful gave me a shout to test it out, and I have to say I think it’s a great alternative to some of the online sites out there. While the app is not technically different from other dating sites on the market (you get the same kind of experience in terms of seeing profile pics, about you sections, deal breakers, questions about lifestyle, etc.), MeetMindful is attracting a particular demographic of user, which changes the vibe of the experience. Most of the gentlemen that I scoped out online seemed to prioritize their health, spiritual connection, and personal growth. Their profile pics include words like “listening,” “connection,” and “mindfulness.” If these are important values for you, then MeetMindful may be a good place to connect with like-minded people.

The nitty gritty.

If you use the free version of the site, you can browse local users and like them. The premium version of the site (starting at $9 USD/ month if you buy a year, up to $29 USD/ month if you go month by month) offers you other options, such as messaging, filtering your search, and seeing who has liked your profile. You can’t message someone (or respond) unless you’re a premium user, so unless you want to simply like people and hope they message you with their information, premium is a much better option. 

MeetMindful is a newer company, and hasn’t yet broken into all markets. For example, Seattle has a lot of users, but is just starting to gain traction in Vancouver. If you’re curious to check it out, sign up for free and find out how many people are in your local community. If you like what you see, then you can opt to pay for the premium version. I think this app will attract users pretty quickly, and there’s no harm in jumping on the free version until your local community picks up. 

What I liked most about MeetMindful is that using it didn’t feel, well… sketchy. Cruising around on apps like Bumble or Tinder can feel depersonalizing.  However, users who choose to get on an app called Meet Mindful are probably not there for just a hook up.  If you’re tired of the swipe, come check it out!

Try Out Your Two Free-Day Trial Now!

 

Product Review: Bagby

Who needs a night time cuddle case for to tuck in your iPhone?

The folks at Bagby believe that “people, especially couples, are increasingly disconnected from each other” so they started a #PhoneFreeBedroomChallenge. Basically, you put your phone into this little carrier and keep it out of the bedroom. Partners agree that they’re going to keep devices out of the bedroom in order to connect more with each other. Less devices = more intimacy. Which is a great idea. I love the idea of a #screenfreebedroom. In addition to giving you more organic connect time with your loved one, you also have the added benefit of descreening your pre-sleep time, which is better for getting a good night’s rest.

So, why do you need a designated Bagby sac to have a phone free bedroom? Well, the truth is that you absolutely don’t. You could designate a charging spot in the kitchen and put your phones there just as easily. But there IS something very mindful and sweet about the Bagby sac. If you are your partner are screen addicts, then a deliberate “no phone” ritual could be a helpful way to help uphold your intention. And if you have a screen-hungry partner, it could be a nice little stocking stuffer hint.

Whether or not you get a Bagby sac, these folks definitely have the right idea. Get an old school alarm clock, and leave your phones outside the bedroom. And while you’re at it, ditch the iPads and laptops too. Some rooms benefit from being a bit old-fashioned.

Check them out here at Indiegogo.

App Review: 10% Happier

I pretty much suck at meditation. Honestly, I know I’m not supposed to admit to these things, but getting myself to sit on a cushion is sometimes like dragging a recalcitrant mule up a hill. This app was recommended to me by a yoga teacher friend of mine, and here’s why love it:

You can just do one minute.

That’s right. Just one minute. And anyone can do that, right?

Spearheaded by anchorman Dan Harris, 10% happier is that app that makes meditation accessible. I know there are a ton of apps out there for meditation, but I really love this app’s style. You start with a minute (and that’s really okay) and are given the opportunity to continue for more. When you hit one minute, you can stay for five. When you hit five minutes, you can stay for ten. But one minute is fine.

Featuring meditations by some wonderful teachers like Sharon Salzman and Joseph Goldstein (to name a few), you get a hit of a bunch of different meditation styles. The free version of the site has lots of options, or you can subscribe for $8/month to have access to more meditations and courses. Actual meditator act as “coaches” if you want to ping someone for help. The app can also track your meditation times and remind you meditate.

What are you waiting for? 1 minute only!

I wrote these guys and gushed at them about how much I like their app, and they sent me along a promo to share with YOU. 🙂