My First Approved iPhone Apps on the App Store

I have been spending some time learning the iPhone SDK recently, while planning to develop a DIY Handyman application, (that will include the Spirit level and calculators etc.)

However, as a start I have completed my first few apps that have been accepted into the iTunes App Store.

Being my first attempt I have kept to simple finance / productivity applications that calculate and reverse calculate sales tax, and you have a choice of 5 different versions.

Oz GST Mate - Australia, Goods and Service Tax (GST).
VAT Mate - United Kingdom, Value Added Tax (VAT).
NZ GST Mate - New Zealand, Goods and Services Tax (GST).
HST Mate - Canada, Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
GST Mate - Goods and Servics Tax (GST) for Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Singapore.

Clicking on any of the links above will take you to their website that has all the info and a link to the iPhone App Store to download.

I am still planning the DIY Handyman Application, so if you have any suggestions on the features you would like to see implemented please let me know.

Handy Guide for DIY Floorboard Replacement

Here is a link to a post that has some simple instructions on how to replace a damaged floorboard.

All the instructions for this simple DIY repair job are on the Readers Digest site with step by sep instructions, including images.

GST Calculator for the iPhone

Here is a handy new application for business/trades people to help working with GST (goods and services tax).

gst-Mate helps with either adding or reverse calculating the GST amount from a total.



From the gst-mate website:

Use gst-Mate to add GST to an amount or reverse calculate the GST from a GST included amount.

Simply choose your country and GST rate.

gst-Mate has settings for Canada 5%, Singapore 7%, Australia 10% and New Zealand 12.5%.

Enter an amount into either the GST Excluded field or GST Included field, click the Calculate button and gst-Mate will do the rest. Click reset to start again with clean empty fields.

gst-Mate is handy for businesses, shoppers and travellers.

gst-Mate is available in the App Store.

DIY Window Frosting

A new Sydney business called Frost & Co has recently launched its exciting range of frosted vinyl film for use on any glass panels in and around the home.

The possible uses of Frost & Co in your home are endless – any windows, glass doors, sidelights, glass tables, glass cabinets and even outdoor glass panels can all be stylishly transformed - whether to create privacy, improve safety, provide practical solutions or express creativity. The choices are yours to enjoy!

Is the outside view through your window unpleasant? Or can neighbours and passer-bys see straight through your living room glass doors? There are many reasons that residents are now looking to transform some of their clear glass panels into “frosted” glass. For a fraction of the cost, you can now achieve a stylish effect with the products offered from Frost & Co.


Cathy Gill, owner of Frost & Co, was inspired to start the business when she was frustrated with seeing the ugly view of the neighbouring property through her kitchen window. “I did not want to hang curtains or blinds on my window, as they are expensive and fussy. So I investigated the market and discovered a range of frosted films from the UK that is of highest commercial quality, extremely durable, creates privacy and yet allows 90% of natural sunlight to filter through. It is very affordable and easy to DIY install, and can be removed later if necessary without causing any damage to the glass. Once installed, just clean your glass panels the same way as regular glass!”


Check out Frost & Co on their website at www.frostandco.com.au where you can view and select designs, input your glass measurements, obtain an instant price, place an order online, and receive delivery of your product along with easy to follow installation instructions within 14 days anywhere in Australia. Or phone 0404 568 290 for more details.


Obviously this is just one solution to window improvement. Another way that adds style and value to your home is to replace the windows themselves. Not only will your windows look better, any problems your old windows were having will also be fixed. Have a look at Replacement Windows for a longer term solution.

Business Card Design only $1

This post is a bit off topic but hopefully interesting to some.


I have designed a business card, and have uploaded the original artwork for sale on the Graphic River site. The artwork is only $1 and you receive all the original, layered Photoshop .psd files.

Click here to go to the site, and you can also check out all the other designs while you are there.

How to choose the right nail for the job

Choosing the right nail for your job isn't always as simple as it may seem. And going to the local hardware store sometimes makes the job even more difficult with the large choice of nails available.

I found this simple guide for choosing the best nail for the job at the Readers Digest site.

Hopefully this makes it a little bit easier for you.

iPhone Handyman Application

Sticking with the iPhone application theme from the last post, here is another useful application for the DIY handyman.

"Handyman Sidekick" is basically 4 project calculators, Painting, Wallpapering, Flooring and Gardening. This application can be set for either metric of imperial units of measure. Personally I like the paint calculator which makes working out the total amount of paint needed very easy.

Here is a list of features from their website:

# Home screen that lets you choose between Metric or Imperial Units of measure. Choose one and all calculators are now in the proper Unit of measure.

# Automatically Saves your Unit of Measure as you preferred default (no need to set it every time you enter the application).

# Paint Calculator (Use this to know how much paint to buy for a given room. Sophisticated down to the level of entering details such as number of windows and doors in the room.

# Flooring Calculator (Use this for any type of flooring; find out how much carpeting, hardwood, laminate you will need).

# Wallpaper Calculator (Use this to know how many rolls of wallpaper you will need; before you even leave your house for the store!!!).

# Garden Calculator (Use this to know how much mulch you should buy for your gardening projects)..

Click here to go to the Handyman Sidekick website for more info: