I have an almost six-year old and a nine-year old. Parents of younger children probably think I have it easy because they are pretty self-contained. They walk on their own, speak for themselves, and can handle their own food and toileting. Also, they can keep their food down. Best of all? No burping-related surprises!
Parents of older children often remark how they are at such “sweet” ages, and tell me to cherish the hugs and the smiles, and the fact that they still address me in public.
But you know where this is going: parenting can be stressful and unrewarding at any age, and through any age. There are amazing moments you cherish, like when my younger child said I was as beautiful as the morning sun, or when my older child tells me I am the best mom ever, in between kisses. Unfortunately, those moments are swiftly followed by screaming, tears, and petty refereeing. Sometimes, I wish I had someone to take care of me like I try to take care of my ungrateful little bundles of snot and farts.
My Alive Juices delivery, courtesy of Bun Out of the Oven. Photo by María Helena Carey
Here is where Bun Out the Oven comes in: it’s a new concierge service that was started by Fani Bettmann and her husband Robert, after they welcomed their own little bun into their lives. Although for obvious reasons –daughter Liora, nine months, is chief product destructor– the site has an early maternity focus, there are great things to be found throughout for parents who need a little support, pampering, or help. There are massages, house cleaning services, baby-proofing services (which would have been super useful for a neurotic worrywart like me), handyman services –perfect for when no one wants to be the one to recaulk the shower. There is also a whole pet care category: dog walking, cat care (and the cutest cat-care photo ever–worth visiting the site just to see it). Although other providers offer these services, the nicest thing about BOTO is their customer care, which is very nurturing and hands-on.
Through Bun Out of the Oven, I tried a free order from Alive Juices, one of the many business who offer services through Bun. Although this was not my first experience with the local Ayurveda juice service, going through Bun made the experience that much more special. Every step of the way, from setting up a profile to placing the order, was infused with human warmth: Robert tells me that Bun will remain in Beta testing for, “making sure we have the procedures in place to guarantee exceptional customer service. Its a training tool for our growing team. We are fully launched, and serving customers and businesses.”
If you’re a Hill parent, or soon to be one, give them a try: http://www.bunouttheoven.com/