Staff Writer

WHATS AFFORDABLE

What did we do before iPhones? They entertain us in waiting rooms, allow us to get the perfect, spontaneous photo and never let us truly escape the office. In addition to these uses, the iPhone truly shines during vacations.

There are a ton of great vacation apps, from better-than-Google GPS to old standbys such as Yelp. iExit is a great app that gives you a heads-up about restaurants, hotels and gas stations organized by interstate exit. The apps newest update lets you know in real time as you drive down the highway, allowing you to plan for a stop and not miss your favorite restaurant. You can also designate your favorite stops so that iExit knows to highlight them.

The deals tab alerts you to any promotions running for specific brands, making your road trip affordable as well as organized. iExit is only 99 cents in the iTunes store, and free for Android users.

WHATS NEW

It looks as if Augusta will be getting a Francescas Collections at the mall, a really cool store that Ive visited in other cities. On the Augusta Malls and Francescas Web sites, job postings are up for part-time and full-time positions for an Augusta store.

Francescas sells clothing and accessories for women, geared toward a younger demographic. Prices are reasonable, and the quality is nothing to sneeze at.

My favorite thing about this store is that, as a boutique, it buys in very small quantities, so you and your friend showing up with the same dress from Francescas is unlikely.

The inventory is updated frequently, and the store runs great sales and promotions. Check it out at http://www.francescascollections.com.

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Shopgirl: Travel apps, a new store, custom printed fabrics