Review: Meetup.com (Also an app)

Place Purchased:  N/A 

Price: $0

Being a transplant from the Midwest, I find it hard to meet new people, mostly because my job is virtual, which means I work from home.  Having a home based office has it's perks, but it is not helpful in meeting new people.  In desperation, I happened to come across the website meetup.com, they also offer an app for smartphones.  

In my area (San Diego, CA.) there is a TON of things to do via the app.  So far I've been whale watching, and went on a 10 mile bike and brunch event.  I meet the nicest people, and don't feel weird for not having a friend with me.  I feel totally comfortable doing things alone, and hopefully making new friends along the way.  There is a plethora of offerings, from pub and art crawls, to biking, hiking, yoga, movies, brunches, evenings out, adult coloring, and more.  You name it, there's a meet up for it.  It is truly the best thing since sliced bread, and a wonderful way to meet new people in your community.

Pros:  Something for everyone.  Even introverts! If you can't find something you like then you must not enjoy much!  It gives you the opportunity to do things that your friends or family might not enjoy, but you don't want to miss out on.  It also gives you the opportunity to diversify your circle, meeting people that you otherwise might not come into contact with.

Cons:  There aren't many to be truthful.  Some of the events cost money, but there are plenty of free ones too.  You would need transportation to get there if you aren't close to the meet up.

Final Result:  LOVE IT! The only thing stopping you, is YOU if you don't use this app!

Review: Amazon Prime Now

Place purchased:  Free with Amazon Prime Membership

Price: $0 but tip is encouraged for the driver

I am hooked on Amazon Prime Membership!  Imagine my added excitement when I moved to an area that offered Prime Now - FREE 2 hr delivery for Prime members!  I could hardly contain my excitement.  Not to mention, I got to rub it in my Midwestern friends faces, who are not privy to such a wonderful service.  That's what they get for living in the Midwest, among other things (like snow, ice, sleet, the list goes on....).  But anyway....

As soon as I found out about this wonderful service, I had to give it a try.  It delivers as promised, and I received my items within the time frame they say they will arrive.  If you are not home, or not awake yet (for those early morning deliveries), it sits waiting for your arrival.  All charged to your card, even the tip!  Fabulous!

Pros:  If you don't feel like going out, they offer a decent variety of items that can be delivered. They even offer local grocery stores, most of which require a min. purchase at that store (around $30.00)

This would be ideal for people who can't drive, don't want to go out, or are disabled.

Cons:  Choices are rather limited, not near the variety that regular prime offers.  

Final Result:  LOVE IT! If what I want is not offered in the Prime Now feature, I simply order the 2 day regular delivery instead.  It's not something I use frequently, but I know it's there if I need it.