Best Time-Saving Websites (Apps) . . . Especially for Moms

I’ll be honest. One of my least favorite things to do with my kids is to go shopping. Yes of course because you never know what might happen but moreover, because there are so many things I’d rather be doing with or without my kids. That’s why I swear by these websites, which are also apps. So if you’re looking for some ways to be more time efficient, not have to take a single step into a store, and still find what you want (and maybe even save some money), I recommend giving these a try.

1. Instacart  

   Instacart is the shopping site and app I use the most, probably on a weekly basis. It’s basically like going grocery shopping from your home. You type in your zip code and it will show you which stores in your area are listed. For instance, in my area are Whole Foods, Costco, Gelsens, Smart & Final, Petco, & Ralphs. Since I’m not mindlessly roaming grocery store isles, I usually save money because I’m not buying stuff that wasn’t on my list.  Almost everyone I’ve told about Instacart asks whether there is a fee – some stores mark up and some don’t but Instacart will tell you. You also have the option to tip, but to me, the tip is far worth an extra trip to the grocery store. Also, if your shopper picks out the wrong item or food that’s not up to your standards, you send an email and are immediately refunded, no questions asked. Shop Instacart & use referral code SBROIHIER1.

2. Stitch Fix

   If you’ve always wondered what it would be like to have your own personal stylist, you’ll love Stitch Fix. After filling out your own fashion questionnaire, and picking whether you want a one-time, quarterly or monthly box, an assigned stylist picks out 5 items that she thinks will meet your

   

   needs and ships them to you. You try them on in the privacy of your own home, keep what you want, and send back what you don’t want, in a pre-paid envelope. You can also let Stitch Fix know if you have any special events coming up. One of their stylists sent me the dress pictured here when I told them I had a destination wedding to attend in Cabo. You can pick your price point but in general, the items are really affordable. I also love that most of their stylists are work-at-home/stay-at-home moms. In fact, my sister Martha Williams is one of their stylists now (I used Stitch Fix before she worked there), so if you’re afraid of getting a stranger, feel free to request her when you sign up at Stitch Fix. I promise it’s a ton of fun! Stitch Fix also offers gift cards, which I’ve used for both family members and friends.

3. Postmates
   

   So I’ve only used Postmates a couple of times but it’s a great delivery service. It’s like Uber for take-out orders. You order take-out from restaurants who don’t usually offer it. If there are drivers in your area, they will pick them up. It also gives you the wait time. Postmates has the most service in California, as well as major cities in at least 25 other states. Although I’ve only used them for food take-out, they claim they are a “revolutionary Urban Logistics platform that connects customers with local couriers who can deliver anything sold in any store or restaurant in minutes.” I like it because it’s allowed me to check out some other restaurants that I normally wouldn’t, either because I can’t get a reservation or don’t want to have to drag the kids out to pick up a to-go order. If you give Postmates a try, use code 5tnws for $10 off your 1st delivery.

4. Zulily

   If you’re a mom or shopping for a mom, Zulily is an amazing place to find deals on things you need for you, your house and your kids. Plus, I’ve found it to be a fun place to find unique gifts. I love that they curate their items, from fitness to maternity to boxed food goods to even something as specific as reading and writing items for kids or Star Wars. I will warn you their site is addicting and the deals are hard to pass up! Here are a two of my favorite recent buys: