One of the Best Things to Happen to Me Since the Internet

Well, maybe not that extreme. But it's a good thing that's happened nonetheless.

I have discovered (and given into) Peapod. And, friends, it is magical.

For those of you not familiar, Peapod is a grocery delivery service. You visit their website, stock your cart, choose a delivery time and checkout. At some point during your selected delivery time, a friendly driver arrives at your door with your groceries. Walla! Groceries without ever having to leave the house! Now, I ask you, is this NOT awesome? Of course it is.

I really, really strongly dislike grocery shopping. I would even go so far as to say I hate it. As soon as I get to the store, I want to leave as quickly as possible and often forget half of the things on my list. This only upsets me further because it means I will have to go back. The aisles are tight, some items are hard to find and fighting for a parking spot on Sunday afternoon is an absolute nightmare.

We have periodically been receiving mailings from Peapod with tempting coupons and special offers, all of which promptly went into the trash. I mean, really, how lazy and/or busy do you really have to be to need a grocery delivery service? Yet, the idea was somewhat tempting. After one especially busy and stressful week in which I refused to deal with the grocery store and we starved as a result, I caved and decided to check it out. Just to see what it was like. I promised myself that I would give it a fair chance, but if it didn't work out, I wouldn't force it and I would continue doing my regular grocery shopping. I was most nervous about the produce, as I tend to pick through each and every piece to find something that I approve of.

I placed my order online and was pleased with the user-friendly interface. It was very easy to search for items as well as to browse the aisles. I picked a delivery time, entered my new customer coupon information and hit checkout. Of course, in true Sierra fashion, I forgot a few things. No worries! Up until 11PM the night before delivery, I could go in and add or remove items and make changes to my order.

The next day, our friendly delivery driver showed up within the first 10 minutes of our delivery window. As we unpacked, I thoroughly inspected our items and was very pleased with everything.

Since then, I've ordered from Peapod a second time and it was just as great as the first. While I am currently getting free delivery due to being a new customer, I feel that the delivery fee is worth my sanity and the convenience.

A few more things I like about Peapod: The site docks your cart on the side of your screen so you can see a running total of your groceries (helpful if you are watching costs). They have lots of specials and sales as well as their own generic brand which has some good stuff. They also accept manufacturer coupons. They carry a wide variety of brands and products, including many "local favorites". So far, I haven't noticed that the prices were wildly off base from our local Pick N Save. Most delivery times are two-hour blocks of time, with discounts available for some of the less popular times. There is also a four-hour block that is the cheapest. Then, on the morning of delivery, you get an email, phone call or text message (whatever you prefer) letting you know the two-hour window in which to expect your driver. We actually picked this option the first time and it worked out perfectly.

I really never thought I would be someone who would opt to have a grocery delivery service in my life (really, it seems so frivolous), but I am. And I really, really love it.