Another Review of Instacart
A while back I confessed that I had resorted to doing my grocery shopping online because I was overwhelmed with work and parenting. At the time, the extra expense seemed worth it because I’m still trying to “make a clearing” in my life to fit in everything else.
But the reality is it’s actually not more expensive for me to use Instacart. I’m really not sure why. At first I thought they might be tricking me as a way to get me to come back again (since the prices on every item fluctuate). So I tried it again. And again. And again (basically every week since I wrote that last post). It might be because I’m not walking by unnecessary items and tossing them in the cart. That would make sense, except I’m not really that kind of grocery shopper. I go in with my list and pretty much stick to it.
It might be because some of the items are actually less expensive on Instacart, especially store brands (which I buy as frequently as possible). Regardless of the reason, I am hooked. Spending ten minutes to order groceries from the comfort of my home is a real godsend right now. Parenting is so hard! Tate is two and Henry is 4.5. I know I don’t have any right to whine about it. My mom was a single mom when I was Henry’s age. I can’t even imagine what that must have been like. Or what it would be like to have to parent and work two jobs or worry about having enough money to pay bills or put food on the table.
But regardless, I’m eager to take things off my plate when I can. I’ve also been sticking to super-easy meals for our family (like penne pasta bake) and prepping as many ingredients as possible on Sunday. Sometimes I’ll make a whole meal ahead of time and pop it in the fridge, or I’ll just do all the chopping and shredding so that during the week I can simply toss it together. It’s working out for us!
4 Comments
Katie Kelaidis
I certainly agree that Instacart, Uber, and other parts of the "sharing economy" can make our lives MUCH MUCH MUCH easier; however, I have become more conscious of how/when I use them, because of the implications of these companies for workers' rights and the long term health of labor rights in our country. This article was really influential in putting me on this path: http://qz.com/312537/the-secret-to-the-uber-economy-is-wealth-inequality/
Basically, I have come to the conclusion that while Instacart is helpful, cheap, and convenient I have decided not to use it because I don't like how they treat their workers and the message they send to other businesses about how to treat their workers.
Just a thought.
Katie
mamaschlick
For some reason I can't read the full article. I'm wondering how instacart is any different than any other big business-target, whole foods even, Kroger, walmart…how do they treat their workers and what message are they sending? I don't know, it seems like it's all a crap shoot and all hurting our economy and people. I mean, look at amazon-its like a world domination power!
Helene
My husband and I are on the fence about having kids and I've appreciated the honesty of your blog. Interested if you have any advice for those in our situation.
Looking back on your blog, you spent a lot of time mentally preparing yourself for motherhood. Now that you're a mother, was this preparation helpful? If you could go back to your pre-baby self, what advice or preparation would you share?
Andrea
In regards to online shopping I'm not in the states so can't comment on the company. I think life is full of difficult choices and priorities, you do what you can, the best you can for the stage of life you are at. Sometimes it's online shopping but more time with little kids, I'm sure another stage will be more time for best practise ethically sourced food