It feels like a weird time to be a mom. Technology is so ever evolving that I become beyond impressed with each new convenient service that is introduced to the marketplace. I can’t help but think of the mothers before us, statistically with many more kids, and not even a quarter of the convenience. But yet, I struggle. Even with all of our advances, it seems we have more on our plates than ever before, schedules that are downright impossible to manage, but yet, somehow, we do. It’s a rollercoaster of triumphs, when I am able to be the best employee, wife and mom, accomplishing a million things on my to-do list, and then there are moments where I feel in despair, the act of buying yet another birthday present for an upcoming party is a logistical challenge. The last year alone, I have embarked on an unplanned adventure to find the tools out there that can make my life just a little bit easier to manage, and which ones aren’t worth the price.
Disney Plus
Website: https://www.disneyplus.com/
Cost: $80 annually or $7.99 a month
Experience: It almost feels silly to include this as my mom brain definitely says: Duh! Who else can entertain my child like Encanto or the Disney classics? If you have been dragging your feet and waiting to purchase, I’m here to tell you to stop. If you’re afraid the cost isn’t worth it, not only do you have the whole Disney vault at your fingertips, you get to enjoy other universes, such as Marvel, which makes my husband beyond happy. These days we seem seems to use this streaming service more than Netflix, which was our desired medium pre-baby.
My vote: Yes. Yes. Yes! No question. I pay by year, but if you don’t want the investment, $8 won’t hurt your wallet too much.
Stitch Fix
Website: https://www.stitchfix.com/
Cost: Varies on clothes purchased. Pay $20 for a styling fee for every shipment (choose monthly, every 2 months, or every 3 months), but if you purchase any item, you are refunded the $50. If you like all five and purchase all 5, receive an additional 25% off your entire cost.
Experience: I remember when Stitch Fix first came out while I was in college. It seemed like an interesting concept at the time, but unnecessary for me. I did all my shopping in store. Fast forward to 2022, the idea of me shopping in store is almost laughable. Who has time for shopping for clothes? If I am ever shopping for clothes, it is for my ever-growing toddler. In fact, I once took joy in buying my own stylish garments, but now have transitioned to finding the best clothes for my daughter. Stitch Fix is a staple I didn’t know I needed. My stylist finds things I never would have found on my own and my account shows exactly why my style is and what I want. You can even ask for certain things you need before a “fix”. For example, if you are in the market for more dresses or shorts, etc.
My vote: My favorite subscription to date! In fact, I have converted the whole family and get “fixes” for my child and husband. It has helped this too-busy momma actually be able to shop again.
Hello Fresh
Website: https://www.hellofresh.com/
Cost: Varies – at 2 meals a week, price was $60-$80
Experience: One of the biggest challenges of managing a family always seemed to come down to preparing or securing food. I love, love, love the idea of groceries popping up automatically to my door, with a delicious recipe attached. I am beyond lucky that my husband is the cook of the family, and he prepared these delicious meals, thanks to Hello Fresh. It took the guesswork out of “What’s for Dinner?” and help make our day with one less thing to worry about.
My vote: We ended up tossing it. While it was convenient, the price was a little steep, and ultimately it just didn’t jive with our diet. We eat a lot of plant-based recipes, and while they offered a vegetarian option, it was filled with creams and dairy items we were trying to avoid. For some families, this may end up working well!
Hampr
Website: https://www.tryhampr.com/
Cost: $40 for annual year subscription, $10+ per load
Experience: Heaven – it was pure bliss! There is a little voice ingrained in me that says I have fallen too deep if I start outsourcing my laundry. I would admire Hampr from afar, staring longingly at its icon as it showed up in my Facebook newsfeed. My pride wouldn’t let me just click the little button – that is – until my washer machine died. Died is maybe dramatic, stopped working would be a more accurate statement. We were without a washer for weeks, and when it finally dawned on me I had a reason to use Hampr, I never clicked sign-up so fast. Imagine, friends, not only is laundry cleaned but it is FOLDED on your doorstep in less than 24 hours. I lived in awe for a few weeks there. Before I knew it, our washer was fixed, so I put away the Hampr bins, at least for now.
My vote: If you are open to outsourcing your laundry, I cannot recommend it enough! I’m back to washing at home, but hope to use the service again soon. The experience was seamless and outstanding.
FabFitFun
Website: https://fabfitfun.com/
Cost: $50 a box (each box is valued at $200+) or $180 for the whole year; You receive 4 boxes for one year
Experience: I first experimented with some beauty boxes a few years ago, but found them ultimately useless and wasteful. I would receive a little box of sample-size items that weren’t always products I needed. FabFitFun is different. Not only do you receive full-size beauty items, but you also can receive items for your kitchen/home/wellness/jewelry needs. You also get to choose some of the items you receive! I have found some incredible new products, whichI now purchase on my own, that I otherwise wouldn’t have known about.
My vote: It’s an instant yes for me. Once upon a time before diapers and midnight wake-up calls, I would leisurely walk the aisles of Ulta, trying to discover what new beauty products await me. FabFitFun does the job by introducing me to quality products, without ever having to leave the comfort of my home.
In a world of monthly subscriptions, it’s tough to see which things actually add to our lives, without killing our bank account. There are so many out there, and I’m sure, we will only see the trend grow. The four mentioned above are some of the ones that seems the most prevalent to living a successful #momlife, and hopefully can help you make a decision if it’s worth it or not to add to your life. May your 2022 be as convenient as possible!
