Why Stress?

I decided that I will make my life easier.    My family requires a great deal of my time and I fulfill many roles – short order cook, chauffeur,  administrative assistant (my daughter’s schedule competes with those of VCs with cheer, drama, music, girl scouts), treasurer, accounts payable processor,  dog walker, etc.   My paid career as a consultant for high growth startups is demanding in terms of attention and effort.   My volunteer work can be hectic and time intensive as well.   Many people forget to take care of themselves and make life easier for themselves.    I decided to use some services recently to take care of myself.  Here are 3 examples:

Shuddle:  

Shuddle is an app that arranges drivers for children.  

The dentist office called me after my daughter’s cleaning and said she needed to have some cavities filled.   They only had 1 appointment in the next 10 days.   Then, she was leaving for Pennsylvania for 6 weeks so we had to take the appointment. Unfortunately, it was during a time that my husband and I had meetings.  We used Shuddle to arrange for a driver to take her from the dentist to her dance camp.  The app was slick and easy to use. You can see the face of the person who was driving and their background.

My daughter was picked up on time by a friendly woman who was a former nanny and everything went smoothly.  I highly recommend this service. 

 https://shuddle.us

Zirx

Zirx is an on demand valet service.

Everyone knows that looking for parking in SF is a hassle.    There have been times that I was late because I couldn’t find a parking space.   I have used Zirx a few times and it was wonderful.  I put my destination into the app and it tracked my car as I drove so the valet driver met me on time.   The app displays a photo of your valet and gives a code number so you know you are giving your car to the correct person.  You can also request your car to be delivered from a different location.  This helps when you are going to multiple places in SF such as dinner and a show, several business meetings, shopping excursion, etc.

I also use the option to get my car washed while I am attending meetings in SF.   It’s not the cheapest deal for a car wash but the convenience is well worth the price difference.

https://zirx.com

 Gobble

 Having a home cooked meal is always comforting and enjoyable for the family to gather around a table.   There’s a great deal of time involved  with cooking – the shopping, finding a recipe, the chopping, etc.    I love cooking – I even make my own bread but like everyone, I have hectic days.

Gobble takes many of those tasks off of your plate.   The dinners are delivered weekly and you can select your meals.  The cooking time is quick as the food is prepped – vegetables are chopped, sauces are premade, pasta is par cooked, etc.   Most of the dinners only use 1-2 pots/pans. This presents a significant advantage over Blue Apron and Plated which can be time consuming and leaves many pans and pots that need to be cleaned.   

 https://gobble.com/home

 I am glad to have found these helpful services to ease the logistics of my life and reduce my stress.  I highly recommend these to those who are busy and need some help.   After all, life should be enjoyed.