"Jane, stop this crazy thing!"

Have you ever seen The Jetsons? It was a cartoon made in the 60’s about a family of the future who lived in a wondrous place called Orbit City. They had flying cars, moving sidewalks, robot maids, and push-button everything.Now that we are actually living in the 21^st century with self-driving cars, cell phones, smart houses, tablets, and the wonderful high-tech appliances we have these days, you would think we would have hours of leisure time on our hands, too. Sooo not the case!Even with all the amazing futuristic advancements in our day-to-day lives, families are more pressed for time than we have ever been before. Due to increased expectations and a heavier work load, the pressure that comes with being an accomplished professional in today’s world has grown exponentially. And, I think we would all agree that raising kids and running a household hasn’t become any easier.Good news! There are ways to carve out more free time, which, in the long run, gives you more moments to spend with the ones you care about. After all, the one thing that certainly hasn’t changed is the 24 hours we have each day to get everything done.Whole Foods Grocery Delivery: Yes, you heard right! More and more food retailers are jumping into the delivery business. My Girl Friday adores Whole Foods Market and we are thrilled that they deliver locally. Try it out (though we know you will love it!) the first time for free. You might be surprised by how much time you save not standing in line at the grocery store.Hire a cleaning service: There is something to be said for coming into your home and feeling like you can relax instead of visually making a to-do list as soon as you walk in the door. Unwinding after dealing with deadlines, coworkers, and stress is next to impossible when you come home to disarray. Hiring a trustworthy company to come in regularly to help you out is the next best thing to a robot maid!Cold Pressed Juice made with love and delivered by Raleigh Raw: Real Food Fast is the mantra at this wonderful, locally owned company. Currently, they deliver delicious cold pressed juice packages. If you live downtown, they also run bicycle deliveries from their full menu within one mile of the café. Raleigh Raw commits to empowering our community to strive for a healthy lifestyle, and their products are made with “…unprocessed, plant-based, nutrient-dense, superfoods in their raw (living) form, full of live enzymes.” This is one time-saver that not only helps your schedule, it benefits your health and well-being.Claire Roberts Style: “be you” Two little words with significant meaning. Claire Roberts brings her unique talent and professional eye right to your doorstep. She provides a variety of consulting, including Wardrobe Edit, Figure and Style Assessment, Personal Shopping and Photo Styling. Besides the time (and money) saved buying items that are flattering and just right for you, she helps you to step out in confidence, knowing that you look your very best!Hire a Nanny! It goes almost without saying, but working with My Girl Friday to find a wonderful nanny will make a tremendous difference in your family’s heavily-scheduled life! Margaret personally meets with and screens each candidate, and she will work with you to find someone who is a ‘just-right’ match. Having a nanny to help you shoulder the responsibility in your life by providing safe and loving care to your children is a stress-reliever comparable to no other.Leanne Powell, 2017