Be of good cheer, freelancers. There’s a work lull approaching (you'll get at least a day or two off, if you’re lucky), along with the possibility of stockings stuffed with book-scented perfume and gift cards for the app store.

But how are you going to spend those digital dollars? Plants vs. Zombies 2 doesn't come out until spring, so in the meantime how about some useful freelance apps? Here are a few of the top-recommended ones we've run across lately.

Additional app recommendations are welcome in the comments!

• Teux Deux -- This is a task management app (aka a to-do list creator). Its simple design and ease-of-use has been praised by both Lifehacker and Gizmodo. ($2.99)

• Evernote -- An all-in-one note-taking app that lets you keep photos, voice recordings and to-do lists all in one place. (free!)

• Dragon Dictation -- Dragon isn't quite good enough to transcribe your interviews for you (yet?) but their app is useful for dictating emails and other notes. They say it's up to 5 times faster than typing on a keyboard. (free!)

• MindMeister -- MindMeister is like a digital white board for mapping out your big ideas. The web account has three levels of membership ranging from $4.99 a month to $14.99 a month, but the app is free. (free!)

• SoundCloud -- If you have a Soundcloud account (and if you're a radio freelancer, you probably ought to) the Soundcloud app is a simple way to make recordings and share audio files. (free!)

• iTalk Recorder Premium -- This app offers three levels of recording quality and easy options for file transferring. ($1.99)

• HoursTracker -- Not sure where all your time goes? HoursTracker can help you find out. It has an easy-to-use interface and lots of useful features. ($4.99)

• Mint -- This is one of the most highly rated personal finance tracking apps out there. Helps you keep track of your accounts and create budgets. (free!)

• Freshbooks -- An accounting app for tracking time, organizing expense receipts and invoicing. The app works with a web membership. The basic membership will allow you to track three clients for free every month, or you can pay to add more. (free!)