#meal subscription cooking services

[cinnam0nic3girl]

How to Live Your Dream Life on a Budget

1. Define Your Dream Life

Clarify Your Priorities: Identify what truly matters to you. Is it travel, a peaceful home, pursuing a passion, or more time with loved ones?

Set Realistic Goals: Break your dream into achievable milestones. This helps make the process feel manageable and less overwhelming.

2. Focus on Experiences, Not Things

Prioritize meaningful experiences over material possessions. For example, a picnic with friends can be as fulfilling as dining at an expensive restaurant.

Look for free or low-cost activities in your area, such as community events, nature trails, or local museums.

3. Budget Strategically

Track Your Expenses: Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to understand where your money goes and identify areas for savings.

Cut Unnecessary Costs: Reduce spending on non-essential items, such as subscription services you don’t use or frequent takeout meals.

Save Smartly: Allocate a portion of your income, no matter how small, to a "dream fund" for your long-term goals.

4. Leverage Resources and Skills

Learn for Free: Use free online resources like YouTube, Coursera, or local libraries to develop skills or hobbies that align with your dream life.

Barter or Trade Skills: Exchange your expertise for goods or services. For instance, offer graphic design in exchange for language lessons.

5. Maximize What You Have

Repurpose and Reuse: Upcycle old furniture, clothes, or decor to create a refreshed living space without spending much.

Enjoy Simple Pleasures: Appreciate small joys like reading a book, journaling, cooking, or spending time outdoors.

6. Pursue Low-Cost Travel

Take advantage of budget-friendly travel options like camping, house-sitting, or volunteering abroad (e.g., WWOOF or Workaway).

Use travel rewards or discounts to save on flights and accommodations.

7. Build a Support Network

Surround yourself with supportive people who share your values and inspire you.

Join communities (in-person or online) that focus on minimalism, frugal living, or achieving dreams on a budget.

8. Stay Positive and Flexible

Embrace Gratitude: Celebrate small wins and recognize the progress you’ve made toward your dream life.

Adapt Your Vision: Understand that your dream life may evolve over time, and that’s okay. Be open to new opportunities and adjustments.

Examples of Dream Lives on a Budget

A Creative Lifestyle: Pursue writing, painting, or photography with inexpensive tools and platforms to share your work.

An Adventurous Life: Explore local attractions, hike nearby trails, or road trip on a budget.

A Peaceful Home: Create a cozy, welcoming space using thrifted decor and DIY projects.

Pursuing Personal Growth: Dive into free or affordable online courses, read self-improvement books, or attend community workshops.

Your dream life isn’t about how much money you have—it’s about how you use your resources to align with your values and aspirations. With intention and creativity, even modest means can lead to extraordinary fulfillment.

[aeth-eris]

★ how to maximize profits via 2nd house ★

aries in the 2nd house can maximize profits by capitalizing on their entrepreneurial drive and competitive spirit. aries benefits from fast-paced, high-energy ventures where they can lead and make quick decisions. they might excel by launching a fitness training program, offering personal coaching services, or starting a motivational brand that sells products like athletic apparel, energy drinks, or performance gear. aries could also find success with subscription boxes focused on high-adrenaline hobbies like hiking, martial arts, or adventure sports. by embracing ventures that allow them to innovate quickly and take the lead, aries can build profitable businesses that leverage their passion and high energy.

taurus in the 2nd house is well-suited for steady financial growth through high-quality, long-term investments and products. they thrive in businesses that emphasize luxury, beauty, and quality, such as a high-end skincare line, organic foods business, or eco-friendly clothing brand. taurus could also consider starting a boutique furniture store that sells artisan-crafted or vintage items, as they appreciate products with enduring value. with their talent for creating a comforting atmosphere, taurus might excel with a bed and breakfast, a spa, or a wellness center that offers relaxation services. taurus maximizes profits by focusing on products that prioritize quality and offer a luxurious experience, appealing to clients who value longevity and craftsmanship.

gemini in the 2nd house can boost profits by tapping into their adaptability and communication skills, especially in diverse, mentally stimulating fields. they could thrive by starting a digital marketing agency, offering copywriting or editing services, or launching an online course platform that covers a wide range of topics to cater to curious minds. with their natural social skills, gemini could also excel in creating a networking app or social media consulting service. offering services like translation, podcasting, or even freelance journalism can keep income flowing, as gemini is well-suited to manage multiple streams of revenue. their knack for curiosity-driven ventures and networking makes them ideal for businesses that involve idea-sharing, quick adaptability, and community engagement.

cancer in the 2nd house can increase earnings by focusing on nurturing and emotionally resonant businesses that bring comfort to others. they might start a home-cooked meal delivery service, a childcare center, or a family-focused event planning service that organizes intimate gatherings like birthdays and reunions. cancer could also do well in real estate, particularly with home staging or property management that emphasizes creating warm, inviting spaces. they could excel in interior decorating, especially with a focus on cozy, family-oriented spaces, or start a handcrafted candle or blanket line. by building businesses that revolve around care, comfort, and family, cancer can create loyal clients and establish long-term success through emotional connections.

leo in the 2nd house maximizes profits by showcasing their creativity and leadership, often excelling in businesses that allow them to stand out and build a brand. leo could find success with a personal brand consultancy, fashion line, or luxury event planning business. they might enjoy launching a social media channel focused on lifestyle or self-improvement, where they can attract sponsorships or sell branded merchandise. leo also thrives in roles where they can influence and inspire others, so they might consider starting a motivational speaking business, an acting or dance academy, or a high-end boutique. with their flair for self-expression, leo profits best when they create high-quality, visually captivating products and services that let their star power shine through.

virgo in the 2nd house finds financial success through practical, detail-oriented services that provide high value and efficiency. they excel in businesses that involve organization, health, and precision, such as financial consulting, tax preparation, or a personal organizing service. virgo might also thrive with a nutrition or wellness coaching business, offering tailored health plans or holistic products like herbal supplements or self-care kits. a digital bookkeeping service, copyediting business, or virtual assistant agency could also bring them steady profits, as virgo’s meticulous nature appeals to clients who seek reliability and structure. by focusing on services that emphasize quality and organization, virgo builds a reputation for excellence that attracts a steady client base.

libra in the 2nd house can increase earnings by leveraging their skills in diplomacy, aesthetics, and partnerships. they could start a wedding planning business, a floral design company, or a luxury lifestyle brand that sells carefully curated home décor items. libra would also excel in public relations consulting or brand management roles, where they can help clients present a refined, balanced image. creating a high-end art gallery, a boutique law firm, or a relationship coaching service could also align well with libra’s skills. libra thrives in partnership-focused ventures, so building collaborative business models or co-founding a business with others can also enhance their profitability and bring a sense of harmony to their financial life.

scorpio in the 2nd house maximizes profits by tapping into their ability to handle intensity and complexity, often succeeding in fields like finance, psychology, and research. scorpio could build wealth by creating a private investigation firm, a psychotherapy practice, or a financial planning service specializing in wealth management or estate planning. they might also thrive in real estate investment, particularly with properties that need transformation, such as flipping houses or managing rental properties. scorpio may also excel in businesses related to holistic healing, offering reiki or shadow work coaching. by focusing on industries that require trust, depth, and resilience, scorpio can attract clients who value privacy and are willing to invest in transformational services.

sagittarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by embracing their love for adventure, growth, and education. they could launch a travel agency specializing in unique cultural experiences, a language learning platform, or a motivational speaking business that offers courses and workshops. sagittarius could also thrive by creating a publishing company focused on philosophical or inspirational content or starting a tour guiding business for international destinations. their enthusiasm for knowledge makes them great at teaching, so they might consider offering online courses or starting a coaching business in a field they’re passionate about. by aligning with growth-oriented ventures, sagittarius can attract an audience that values inspiration and big-picture thinking.

capricorn in the 2nd house maximizes profits through disciplined, long-term planning and a practical approach to business. they’re well-suited for businesses like a corporate consulting firm, project management agency, or investment portfolio service. capricorn could also do well in real estate development, particularly with rental properties or commercial buildings. they might find success by starting a financial advisory firm or creating a luxury goods company focused on high-end, timeless products like leather goods or fine jewelry. by aligning with industries that reward patience and professionalism, capricorn can build a solid financial foundation and enjoy steady growth, often seeing long-term success through conservative but reliable investments.

aquarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by focusing on innovation, technology, and humanitarian ventures. they might launch a tech startup, a renewable energy company, or a social media platform that prioritizes community and ethical interaction. aquarius could also find success with a nonprofit organization focused on social justice, an eco-friendly product line, or a collaborative workspace for creatives and freelancers. their futuristic mindset makes them perfect for ventures in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, or virtual reality. by aligning their finances with progressive and forward-thinking industries, aquarius can attract clients and customers who value innovation and social impact.

pisces in the 2nd house maximizes profits by leaning into their creativity, compassion, and spirituality. they may thrive in a music or art therapy practice, a spiritual coaching business, or a holistic wellness center that offers services like yoga, meditation, and crystal healing. pisces could also succeed by creating a boutique art studio, a dream journal line, or a subscription service for wellness products like essential oils, herbal teas, and calming rituals. they’re drawn to businesses that help others heal or connect with their inner selves, so they may also find success in fields like astrology, psychic readings, or intuitive counseling. by aligning with businesses that emphasize emotional well-being and creativity, pisces can build a profitable venture that resonates deeply with clients who seek personal and spiritual growth.

[rottenpumpkin13]

Hi i really liked your genesis headcanons can you do relationship headcanons for seph and ang, thanks btw

Not sure if you came from that post, but I made one for Genesis a while ago in case you want to read it! Here's the link.

Dating Sephiroth

• Completely inexperienced in relationships and romantic feelings in general, initially suppresses his own emotions out of habit, but eventually caves for his person. He treats dating like research at first, reading extensively and trying to understand the "proper protocols" for courting someone (he's so sweet)

• Takes time to open up due to his isolated upbringing, but when he does, he forms an intense, almost obsessive attachment to his partner (i n t e n s e)

• Struggles to express emotions verbally but shows his love through unwavering loyalty and dedication. Will move mountains for his partner if needed. His partner is sick? There goes Sephiroth concocting medicine from scratch bc he doesn't trust Shinra. Partner is hungry? Sephiroth in the kitchen trying his best to make them their favorite food before giving up and ordering out. Partner is cold? There goes Sephiroth's coat and his partner's personal space because now they're bundled in his leather while being squished by a giant kitty.

• Very touch-starved but doesn't know how to initiate physical affection in the beginning. Melts completely when his partner casually touches him or plays with his hair. When he and his partner grow comfortable with each other, Sephiroth absolutely will drape himself over them like a cat, ask for cuddles, and use them as a human plushie.

• Protective to an extreme degree. Has to consciously work on not shadowing his partner everywhere or eliminating perceived threats before they even manifest….like the mailman. Experiences jealousy intensely but internalizes it rather than acting out. Needs frequent reassurance that his partner won't abandon him ;-;

• During fights, he tends to shut down emotionally, not knowing how to handle conflict in relationships. He needs a patient partner willing to help him work through his feelings and to be there to hug and tell him he's still loved.

• Cherishes quiet domestic moments he never had before; simple things like sharing meals or reading together mean the world to him.

• Extremely observant of his partner's needs and preferences. Will remember every little detail about them and use that knowledge to make them happy. That candy their partner mentioned liking in passing? There's now boxes of it in their pantry and Sephiroth bought a monthly subscription to it.

Dating Angeal

• Takes relationships seriously, okay? The man dates for marriage and a life partner, not for a casual fling. And he believes in building a foundation of trust, respect, and understanding before pursuing anything romantic.

• Very traditional in his approach to courting and is a complete gentleman. Will absolutely ask for permission to court his partner properly and plans thoughtful, wholesome dates like picnics, hiking, or cooking together.

• Shows his love through acts of service and protection. Will make sure his partner is well-fed, safe, and cared for. Grows herbs and vegetables specifically for cooking their favorite meals and/or making healthy versions of their favorite junk food. Food is his love language, and there's nothing that makes him happier than cooking for his partner.

• Tender and gentle in private, to an extreme degree. Babies the hell out of his partner and loves quiet moments where he can hold them, talk to them, and care for them.

• Gets adorably flustered by open displays of affection but secretly loves when his partner is demonstrative with their love. Will turn bright red if they so much as hold his hand in public. Yet he casually wraps his arms around their waist when they're out to send a message to the world lol.

• Very protective but not possessive. He trusts his partner completely and respects their independence. His protectiveness comes from a place of genuine care rather than jealousy. But that's not to say Angeal won't break someone's teeth in for trying to get with his partner.

• He's the voice of reason during arguments who tries to resolve things calmly through communication.

[lovemyromance]

Every time I think about people saying Elain belongs in the spring court because she likes gardening and flowers ... I wilt a little (no pun intended).

That's like... when I say I love to cook... and people think I'd want to live in a place where all the food is already made and gourmet.

Like ... no... it's a hobby. The whole point is that you enjoy doing it. It's not the end product that invokes joy - it's the entire act of preparing, getting your hands dirty, putting in hard work, and enjoying the fruits of your labor.

And just to drill the point home: imagine for Christmas, instead of the shallot-shade le crueset I have my eye on ... my "mate" gets me a meal delivery service subscription.

DO YOU SEE. It's a nice present. They tried. I'm sure anyone else would enjoy it. But it just shows someone doesn't know me well to realize I enjoy the act of cooking, not just the food.

Elain likes flowers, sure, but she gets joy from cultivating and growing them herself. Saying she belongs in a place with ETERNAL bloom is her idea of THE BAD PLACE.

[betterbemeta]

I have said it before and i don't care how many youtubers advertise hello fresh or hungryroot to make a living

meal subscription services are not worth it.

Not a single one of them is actually cheaper in the long term than planning and buying your own groceries.

many of them have initial discounts to sell you the service and then hope you are just too busy or too tired to unsubscribe. almost ALL people who sign up for a meal plan will unsubscribe within the first year because they were only there to access those early discounts BECAUSE THEY NEEDED CHEAPER FOOD IMMEDIATELY.

Your normal grocery store probably does have a few dark patterns but not nearly as many as even the 'nicest' meal subscription service.

There are articles out there like "I did the math and the groceries and meal services are the same price mostly!" but if you pay attention, there are massive holes in their thinking:

the meals or plans that track closest to grocery store prices are ones that adhere to special diets. Eating vegan, keto, etc. can be more pricey to shop for. This is a known part of the strategy for meal kits and delivery services-- they can't compete with the price of typical groceries, but just like some people will shop at an expensive Health Food store, others will be willing to pay a premium for luxury or diet-specific products. And chances are if you're a regular person keeping a special diet with a limited amount of disposable income you probably have already made compromises for your budget and don't need a for-profit service to pry away that money you're trying to save.

These articles frame, 'you don't have to buy oil, seasonings, vinegar, or staple ingredients' as a cost saving or even food waste saving measure... but that's also true if you just eat regular TV dinners from the grocery store freezer aisle, many of which offer the same or better prices per serving. But really, is this not just a grocery shopping version of 'Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness'? Exploitation of those who can't invest in the cost of things upfront results in poor people spending more money for worse outcomes?

If I can't make a restaurant's exact same fish sandwich for the same price, I can just make a chicken sandwich or a grilled portobello. Or buy a box of frozen dumplings. Saving money on Grilled Trout Over Wild Rice shipped to my door makes no sense when I simply wouldn't choose to cook something like that without a special reason.

if these meal kits and delivery plan services really WERE cheaper than groceries, grocery stores would be losing money to them and they're mostly losing money to people buying less food in general.

[ashamedbigtime]

Thank you for decorating my Christmas Tree! :)

Here are 12 Christmas Questions for you! 

No pressure: feel free to answer some, all, or even none. :) 

Favorite Christmas season activity?

Favorite Traditional Christmas song?

Favorite Modern Christmas song?

Favorite Christmas movie(s)?

Favorite Christmas episode (any tv show)?

Favorite food to eat or serve for the Christmas meal?

Favorite Christmas beverage or dessert? 

Most memorable Christmas gift you received as a child?

Best Christmas gift you ever gave to anyone?

If you have a Christmas tree, what’s your tree topper?

What’s your favorite version of Santa in a movie?

Which fictional character would you like to be caught under the mistletoe with?

Favorite Christmas season activity?

Choosing the Christmas tree for sure. I‘m not even so excited about decorating it as much as choosing the best one!

Favorite Traditional Christmas song?

Probably The Twelve Days of Christmas. Yes, definitely this one!

Favorite Modern Christmas song?

I’m not really into them TBH, but I don’t mind Last Christmas

Favorite Christmas movie(s)?

this one is easy, it’s “Love actually”. A cult classic in our house!

Favorite Christmas episode (any tv show)?

probably all Downtown Abbey Christmas episodes, I just loved the atmosphere

Favorite food to eat or serve for the Christmas meal?

I’m gonna be boring here, but everyone in our little family loves a roasted chicken for Christmas dinner and that’s what I do. I tried to replace it with a duck or a goose, with no luck

Favorite Christmas beverage or dessert? 

I love a good Stollen and I’m quite good at cooking it

Most memorable Christmas gift you received as a child?

I don’t remember anything particular but as a fun fact I can mention that Christmas wasn’t celebrated big in our family when I was a child. It was all about New Year’s Eve

Best Christmas gift you ever gave to anyone?

When I first started dating my husband we had to spend our first Christmas apart and I bought a book subscription service for him. He loved it and he didn’t expect to receive it exactly on Christmas Day but I’ve managed it.

If you have a Christmas tree, what’s your tree topper?

I do have a tree but there’s no topper. The tree is just perfect without any.

What’s your favorite version of Santa in a movie?

I thought for a while but I can’t really answer this question. No idea, they are all just Santas to me!

Which fictional character would you like to be caught under the mistletoe with?

This one is too difficult. But in case I was single my fictional character of choice would be Pietro Maximoff from MCU. I know it’s not an obvious choice, but to me kissing under the mistletoe is something absolutely unserious and lighthearted. I would have kissed someone I find attractive but wouldn’t fall for like immediately. That’s Pietro! Btw I’ve never kissed anyone under the mistletoe. Maybe I should fix it.

Thank you @sotwk for the questions, I loved answering your ask! Sorry the numbering got weird, probably because I’m writing it on my iPhone and it betrays me!

thanks again and I wish you the best Christmas!

[thrill-kill-kult]

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the concept of bread and circuses.

Look how easily available entertainment is. Look how cheap TVs are. Think about how many things you’re subscribed to (or borrowing someone else’s subscription to). Think about the ubiquity of mobile games and social media. Have you noticed that the government offers cell service and cell phones free to its unhoused population? Have you noticed that we’ve begun to devalue the creativity behind media in order to produce it as cheaply and quickly as possible? Studios are trying to scan actors to make AI movies.

What about fast and processed food? It’s more and more expensive to access fresh produce, and exponentially more difficult when you live in a low income area (many of which are food deserts). Corn syrup filled crap is cheap, easily accessible, and does not quickly go bad. You may not be able to afford ingredients to cook (or you may not have the time to make a meal) but chips and a soda can be less than five dollars.

Do you spend your precious little free time doomscrolling? When you eat, do you just snack? Do you feel like what you’re eating is crap? Do you even sit down for your meals? (How many of them do you eat behind a desk?)

This is bread and circuses in action. We are fed a stream of dopamine to keep us complacent.

Resist. Cook and share meals. Get rid of social media. Reach out to your friends and put away your phone. Say no thanks to bread and circuses. That isn’t enough to keep you happy.

[lizbethborden]

I'm kind of frustrated :( I think I really do have to start a meal subscription service and I just really don't want to. It feels like admitting defeat. Because I LOVE to cook, I love food. It's just that I've got, like... nothing in the tank. I don't feel impulses or inspiration during the day for food anymore. I just feel swamped and overwhelmed most of the time. I feel like part of that feeling is almost certainly coming from me NOT getting the nutrition I need, because most of the time I'm starving all day ---> dinnertime ---> eat frozen dumplings and fall asleep. And that's not good. The amount of takeout I've been getting hasn't been good either. Yes, it's been better than starving all day, and it's helped me make sure my team eats too, but it's just not good. It makes me sad and makes me feel like I'm saying that I don't want to cook or that I don't care about it. I feel like I'm losing a hobby I really love and have so much passion for.

[destinyc1020]

Off topic, but how are you dealing with inflation and surges in prices. It is getting extremely difficult to put food on the table for everyone and the price of food is so high and you have corporations choosing to increase prices for even fastfood. Sorry to bother, just was wondering how you are dealing with this?

Girllll join the club! We're ALL feeling it. 😔 You're not the only one.

One thing that has REALLY helped me is writing out a budget and just seeing where all of my money is going every single month. Most people aren't UNDERemployed, MOST people are OVERspending the money that they do make.

First, make yourself a budget to see how much you spend on average every single month. Yes...even that $6 cup of coffee at Starbucks lol. Just take a look at your online bank statements and debits. (You might be shocked by the results)

Next, figure out which items are necessities ( i.e. food, water, shelter, car/transportation, other obligations, etc. ) and put those in your Priority list.

Then, figure out which things are "nice to have", but NOT needed...they just make your life "comfy".

Lastly, figure out which items you spend money on that are just pure 'wants' and aren't necessities at all.

Start cutting out the items that are just "wants" on your list.

Maybe start lessening eating out (that's my BIGGEST culprit😭). Try cooking more meals at HOME or do meal prep and make your lunch or breakfast for school/work.

Cut out any needless items (i.e. cable tv, subscription services you barely use, etc.)

Try these things Anon and see if anything gets better. You should set a limit/budget for yourself every month. Make sure to save some money every month as well. :)

HTH! 😊

[foodandfolklore]

Loblaws Boycott. How to get affordable food?

Today is May 1st; which means it is the start of the Loblaws Boycott across Canada. For those unfamiliar with the situation, food prices in Canada have been climbing to astronomical sums. Our main chain Grocery Stores keep increasing prices beyond what is normal inflation. Because they know as Mortals, we need to eat. And the further north you go, the worse it gets. They have already been caught artificially raising Bread prices a few years back, and blaming the price hike on the War in Ukraine. They set a price, We pay for it, and then they keep the price cause clearly people are willing to pay /s

So a boycott has been organized by people of Canada through social media and has even been talked about by TV News Outlets. The idea being to speak with your wallet and pressure change. The problem for many, however, is...Loblaws is just so massive, they don't see other alternatives. They own No Frills, Great Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drugmart, and a ton more. For many Canadians, it seems like Loblaws is their only option in their area.

So I want to provide a list of some options for people to still get fed. Or even if you don't want to engage in the boycott, you just wanna find affordable food.

Costco and Walmart If a friend of family member has a Costco Membership and is willing to take you with them, do it. The workers there don't police who has the membership, so long as someone has one. You can bulk buy a bunch of staples like Meat, Cheese, Toilet Paper and Coffee for much cheaper in the long run. However, Buying in bulk is not always feasible for everyone. They either don't have the space or they can't afford to drop a few hundred dollars on a single shop. Walmart is a controversial suggestion because they have some....history. And your values may require you to not shop at Walmart. But if you need some accessible groceries for reasonable prices, Walmart actually has a very good selection.

2) International/Local Stores This is not really an option if you live more rural. But if you can find a nearby Asian Grocer or Halal Store you can get a lot of stuff. And not just rice. Legumes, Beans, Meat, Seafood; you'd be surprised how much you can get. You may also find a gem of a bakery or butcher.

3) Farmers Markets It's getting to growing season in Canada. Be Sure to check your near by Farmers Markets. You'll mostly find Fruits and Veggies, but may also be some local honey and eggs if you're lucky. This is also a great option for people who feel eating Organic food is important.

4) Food Waste Apps There is a surprising amount of apps dedicated to preventing food waste by selling you food that is about to be thrown away. The food is still good, and the reason for Discarding varies, but commonly it's because it's approaching it's best before date or Expiration date. Food can still be consumed after it's best before date, so long as it's not spoilt. Different areas will have different Levels of Activity on Different apps. A store needs to opt in before you can buy anything. So check out a few different ones. Flash Foods, Food Hero, and Too Good to Go are popular.

5) Ugly Food Boxes A lot of food gets chucked cause it doesn't conform to our expectation of how that food should look. It grew in a weird way and despite being totally fine to eat; Stores don't want to sell them. So you can get Subscription Boxes of Ugly Produce. Which I think is kinda fun. I remember being younger and my mom pointing out the funny shaped peppers. This isn't entirely a new concept, and many people would of probably heard of Imperfect Foods. However, this is a USA only service; useless to us Canadians. But we can try Odd Bunch or Eat Impact. The bonus with this is it's delivered directly to you. Great for people like myself who can't Drive but love to cook.

6) Meal Kits You see it all the time on Youtube: Try Hello Fresh and get so many meals free, yada yada. Well....it might be worth a try. You can cancel these kits at any time, and them hop back on them later. Like a streaming service. A friend of mine apparently does this. Ordering a box when the value of what they're offering is worth the price to her. Not a great option if you tend to forget to cancel subscriptions *cough* (Hi) but it can be a really smart way to get exactly what you want for a good price. Plus if you use a sponsor code, or a coupon in the mail.... Hello Fresh and Make Good Food are the two more well known meal kits available in Canada.

[kosher-martian]

From a marketers' perspective, YouTube's advertisement system is completely busted.

If Bob is watching sports related videos, maybe show ads for sportswear, a sports bar chain, television / streaming packages, energy drinks, sports betting, or something of that variety.

If Susan is watching a cooking video, maybe show ads for cooking gadgets, a subscription service for healthy meals, or maybe a commercial for a baking competition show.

So what does YouTube show ol' Kosher Marty when I watch a video ranking Dunkin Donuts donut varieties? A Dunkin Donuts ad, right? It's a slam dunk! No? What about ads for Starbucks, or breakfast food restaurants (Denny's, IHOP, Waffle House), or just regular coffee brands (Folger's, Maxwell House, et al)? Nope.

... An advertisement for a New Age cult. Does the cult have any connection to Dunkin Donuts whatsoever? Not that I can tell and frankly if they do, I would be very concerned.

EDIT: The GIFS below this "keep reading" line might induce migraines or epileptic issues or just annoy your eyes. I'll tag accordingly. EDIT 2: Adjusting the tags to reflect helpful guidance from @photosensitive-despair. Removed the tags "cw epilepsy” & “tw epilepsy”, added "flashing lights", changed "cw eyestrain" and "tw eyestrain" to just "eyestrain", and removed all migraine tags following the suggestions outlined in Photosensitive Despair's outreach post. Thank you mod Kiko and Photosensitive Despair!

[whumpster-fire]

I don't talk about my professional life on Tumblr very often, but I'm actually a wildly successful Grandmaster of Product Development at Internet Of Things Inc in Palo Alto, CA. I'm the genius behind numerous very profitable products you may have seen on store shelves or TV Informercials. Some of my latest hits include:

A subscription based weed whacker that uses only $399.99 proprietary string spools. Also takes $79.99 bottles of wifi-enabled pesticide fluid that are automatically injected into the grass via our patented 3D-printed nozzle design and aerosolized by the spinning string. Rumors that this fluid contains Agent Orange are false: we have added green dye to it.

A suite of smart home products including automatic thermostats, lights, speakers, and doorknobs. Unlike competing products that lock you out of your home if you miss a payment or your internet connection is interrupted, our locks you in and turns the thermostat up/down, strobes the lights, and plays InfoWars podcasts at full blast until you pay up.

A meal planning service with built-in cooking device. Food is delivered in proprietary frozen packets that come with a removable single-use RFID tag. Simply place the packet in the WeCookIt, close the door, insert the tag, and it will heat your food with microwave radiation (that's the same thing used for the WiFi it needs to verify that your food isn't pirated). Available for $1699.95, food packets cost $25-45 per meal on average ($750-$1350 per month with a one-meal per day plan).

A subscription-based pacemaker. Now before you say anything, no, it does not shut down and kill you if you miss a payment: that would be unethical and more importantly illegal. But it turns out that there's no law against it making your heart spell out "I AM A CHEAP ASS MOTHERFUCKER" in morse code at 10-minute intervals 24/7!

An AI-based long-distance dating service. Instead of trying to find an ideal partner for you, it creates one using a combination of ChatGPT to have romantic conversations with you and our proprietary AI art engine trained off data scraped from instagram to generate selfies! Unfortunately we haven't worked out the bugs in the training data and it has a bad habit of either suicide-baiting users or trying to make them wire all their money to unknown foreign bank accounts (the annoying thing is these accounts aren't even affiliated with the company: I have no idea who's getting it but man they must be rich by now) if a single profile remains active for too long.

A Smart Smoke Alarm. It automatically records data from cameras, microphones, and numerous other sensors 24/7 which we sell to insurance companies so that in the event of a fire they can analyze your life and look for an excuse to not pay out.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: THIS IS SATIRE. THERE IS NO COMPANY CALLED INTERNET OF THINGS INC IN PALO ALTO, CA TO MY KNOWLEDGE. IF A COMPANY BY THIS NAME DOES HAPPEN TO EXIST, I DO NOT CLAIM TO REPRESENT THEM, AND THEY CAN GO FUCK THEMSELVES. IN ADDITION IF THIS COMPANY DOES EXIST I DO NOT CONDONE OR ENCOURAGE BURNING DOWN THEIR GODDAMN OFFICES, BUT MAN WOULDN'T IT BE FUNNY IF-

[betterbemeta]

A bit ago youtube served me this video by the wall street journal about how difficult it is for meal kit companies to stay afloat

This may be a surprise to people because if you show any interest in 'food' you're probably getting dozens of ads from meal kit companies every day. But what shocked me about the video was not really what it reported; it was what it depicted by omission, or without self-awareness.

Meal kits are NOT cheaper than groceries. This is the one thing it said outright that I think people need to hear. The marketing is manipulation based on short-term discounts that will not be sustained for any length of subscription. Economies of scale are what make stuff cheap and while the largest meal kit companies can come closest, none are anywhere near a successful grocery chain's scale.

HelloFresh has a whopping 78 percent of the market shares in the meal kit business. This is presented as a neutral fact but it displays the truth that the 'competition' between corporations is a sham: once the market giant achieves sufficient size, nothing else can catch up and only tiny niches where certain privileged consumers will want to buy an 'alternative' at great expense can coexist.

Many services have pivoted from offering meal kits with ingredients to offering fully prepared meals because people who would want to buy a meal kit aren't being daunted by the 'time to go to the store' or 'knowledge of ingredients to buy' or 'portioning ingredients' or 'reading directions.' What this implies, that the video doesn't state outright, is that average people who are lured into subscribing to food delivery services need food NOW, the ACCESS TO THE FOOD is the decision-maker, not 'convenience cooking.'

this dovetails into another video I recently watched, about the disappearance of cheap food in the USA.

(uh, ignore the watch percentage bar, I went back to it to check statistics it cites.)

the issue here being that the growing dominance of car-based transportation in the USA added a giant expense to the average person's budget, supported 'affordable' housing moving farther and farther away from centralized areas where eateries that could cheaply prepare food people depended on. So people actually didn't spend less money on food in the past, they spent more... but they had more budget for food because they spent less or even nothing on gas and housing in general was also much, much cheaper. Even adjusted for inflation.

Anyway. the reason why I am bringing that second video up. is that the first one dodges the obvious conclusion. It presents the evidence. But then doesn't ask why? Why are people so desperate to sign up for something that's cheaper than groceries, that takes less time than groceries? Why is there a market for mass appeal, because to sustain revenue you need a TON of people signing up for the discounted trial, to make up for so few long-term subscribers?? Why are people looking for an alternative to our current cheapest available options, maybe cheaper than almost any point in human history? Even with disgusting price hikes?

It is because people cannot afford the price of food with how much other things reap from their budget, or the time to prepare food they can afford. Things are much worse than the forward face of our culture depicts, and even industries that pop up to exploit the needy are grubbing for pennies

[valmillion]

I'm getting a little annoyed at youtube influencers peddling this subscription meal service that is straight up just frozen food. it's one thing to buy hello fresh - even if it's more expensive than groceries, at least you cook that yourself - but this is just. frozen meals.

i promise it's cheaper and easier than you think to cook for yourself. there are thousands of resources out there to learn how to meal prep ahead of time and make delicious home cooked meals. it's so much better than subscription service frozen food, i promise.

[inassaad]

Local Competition

As I focus on creating healthy and convenient food options for delivery, I named my business Healthy Plates. To gain a better understanding of the market, I decided to explore three competitive companies: WeCook, HelloFresh, and Heart to Home Meals. Here is a summary of each company:

1- WeCook

Market positioning:

At WeCook, a skilled chef picks fresh ingredients from local suppliers to prepare delicious meals. They work in a sustainable kitchen that minimizes waste. They offer high-quality, portioned, and ready-to-eat meals delivered right to the customer’s door. Customers can even personalize their meals by selecting from a range of well-balanced side dishes that align with their dietary preferences.

Reviews :

Enjoy the convenience of getting fresh and tasty ready-to-eat meals delivered to your home or office. The customer will receive a variety of new and delicious recipes each week. These meals are healthy and easy to prepare, taking just 2 minutes to get ready. No more spending hours in the kitchen! The customers can even customize your meal choices to suit their preferences.  

Pricing:

The price of your WeCook meals will vary based on the type of membership the customer chooses. Each meal can cost anywhere between $10 to $14. If you opt for a weekly subscription, the price for the whole week of meals is $120.

Social media:   

WeCook offers a wide range of meal options, boasting a database of over five hundred different recipes for their weekly menus. What's even more exciting is that each package includes a recipe manual, adding a fun element to your cooking experience.

Strengths:

 WeCook provides healthy meals specifically designed to fuel high-stress occupations.. Their service is highly flexible, allowing you to skip weeks, cancel, or change your meal deliveries as needed. They offer over 500 rotating recipes, ensuring a wide variety of options to choose from In addition to prepared meals, they also sell bulk vacuum-sealed meat to their members. Best of all, they provide free delivery.

Weaknesses:

There have been reports of delays in delivery. Also, emptying the ice packs can be bothersome because they have slush inside.

2-HalloFresh

Market positioning:

 HelloFresh delivers meal kits with recipes and groceries to your home every week. It's a convenient way to simplify meal planning and grocery shopping. If the customers like cooking but they don't have much time for meal preparation, HelloFresh can be a useful solution. They offer recipes suitable for families and their service is reasonably priced. HelloFresh may not be the ideal choice for you if you have specific dietary needs

Reviews:

HelloFresh, a food delivery company, has received some negative reviews. Customers have reported that some meals are not sufficient for four servings. Additionally, there have been complaints of meals being rotten and mushy.

Pricing

HelloFresh offers meals that start at $7.49 per serving. For a Meat and Veggies plan serving four people with two meals per week, the cost is $8.99 per serving. If you choose the Low Calorie plan for two people with two meals per week, the price is $10.99 per serving. Additionally, each order includes a $9.99 shipping fee.

Social media:

Twitter is a key platform for HelloFresh. They regularly post updates throughout the day to reach their audience at the best times. Twitter is allowing HelloFresh to directly connect with their customers. HelloFresh takes pleasure in giving rewards to customers who cook their recipes in real time using Twitter.

Strengths:

HelloFresh is a convenient service that delivers meal kits with groceries and recipes to the customers’ homes. They offer a variety of tasty and easy-to-prepare meals. The customers can select from different meal plans like vegetarian, piscatorial, or reduced-calorie options. The cost of HelloFresh is similar to or lowers than many other companies offering similar services.

Weaknesses:

 Hellofresh doesn't have meal options designed specifically for people with gluten allergies or other dietary restrictions. Moreover, HelloFresh doesn't offer meal plans for stricter diets like keto, paleo, or vegan. It's important to note that there is a $9.99 shipping fee for each box.

3- Heart to Home Meals!

Market positioning:  

Heart to Home Meals is a well-known Canadian company that specializes in preparing healthy and simple meals. They deliver tasty chef-made meals right to your doorstep. Their delivery service is reliable, ensuring that meals arrive punctually and in excellent condition. Due to their great food and service, they have gained many customers across Canada. They offer a wide range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including meals for people with special dietary needs. They use fresh ingredients and take into account dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance or diabetes. Heart to Home Meals is dedicated to providing delicious and convenient meals that are beneficial for Canadians.

Reviews:

 Heart to Home Meals consistently delivers nutritious and diverse meals that are convenient to store in the freezer. It's a fantastic food service, especially beneficial for seniors. The delivery drivers are polite and friendly, making the experience enjoyable. One of the great advantages is that there is no waste or leftovers.

Pricing:

With meal options ranging from $5 to $15, they prioritize providing high-quality meals at an accessible price point.

Social media:

New weekly plans are regularly shared on the website, and you can stay updated on new meals and services through Instagram accounts

https://www.instagram.com/hearttohomemealsusa/?hl=en

Strengths

Heart to Home Meals offers delicious food made with nutritious ingredients. Ordering is easy and convenient. Their service is friendly and trusted, ensuring a pleasant experience. They have expertise in senior nutrition, ensuring that the meals are well-suited for the dietary needs of older adults.

Weaknesses

When using convenient apps, it's crucial to practice self-control and make healthy choices without overspending. The service might be slower during busy times, and it may not be widely available in rural areas.

[dykedykegooses]

i know this point has been made over and over again, but im still so fucking dumbfounded by how much cheaper it is to be rich

like i just got my first salaried job. it pays about twice as much as any job i've ever had - for full transparency, i'm making about $56k pre-tax income. with it, i get certain benefits, including access to a Lifestyle Spending Account, or LSA. it's just a little account that my job puts money into every quarter that i can spend on almost anything i want to enhance my life - think cooking classes, music app subscriptions, sporting club dues, meal prep services, childcare costs, sleep enhancement materials, pet walking/sitting services, national park entrance fees, all that stuff. are you kidding me? i'm making more money now and i have to pay for less stuff out of pocket. i'm not sure what the solution is, but i think it looks like having a tiered system where those who make less get enhanced benefits like LSAs or HSAs and those who make more and can afford those out-of-pocket costs get increasingly smaller amounts in each of those accounts