Bringing The Good Life to You
All this month Fact Finder has focused on the cost of convenience. But what if cost wasn't an issue? Tonight a look at life's little luxuries: what if you had a little help with the things you don't always have the time or energy to do? What would it take to have chef, a trainer and a housekeeper all come to you? The answers in tonight's Fact Finder report.
For most of us, after a long day of work, slicing and dicing our way to dinner is a chore.
But personal chef Fresia Granados says, "Cooking is my passion. There are many people here who don't want to cook or don't want to do all of the work."
Which is why some people pay Granados to do the work for them. The Costa Rica native prepares fresh food from scratch with a latin flare. She'll do the planning, shopping, prep work, cooking, serving and cleaning... for a price.
A recent fine dining meal for two cost the couple $300, while a more casual affair for 16 cost $700.
I asked her, "How long does it take you to cook all of the food?" She laughs in response, "many many hours. But it's worth it when you eat it."
When it comes to working off some the haute cuisine calories it's time to hit the gym. But wouldn't it be more convenient if the gym came to you? Enter the personal trainer.
Doug Petersen, personal trainer and owner of Rock Bottom Gym says, "I'd come to your home every day for 1-2 hours. I'd have you do a variety of things. Functional strength training, cardiovascular exercise, range of motion, stretching."
Not only do you get a workout specifically tailored for your needs, but you get something many consider priceless.
I ask, "is motivation a big part of your job?" Petersen replies, "Huge!"
So how much does personalized physical fitness run you?
Petersen says, "Traverse City, $75/hour. New York City $200/hour. Los Angeles $200/hour."
After you hit the weights you may want to hit the couch. And even better if it was nice and clean. You don't have to be a Cinderella, just hire Sweeping Beauty.
Michelle Bolton with Sweeping Beauty Cleaning Services says, "People like to do the surface cleaning but don't have time to do deep cleaning."
They'll clean the house from top to bottom, from tables to toilets including the things that no one likes to clean.
She says, "Blinds. Nobody likes to do blinds."
An average visit can take 3-4 hours and can cost anywhere from $70-$500 depending on the house.
Bolton says, "It's definitely a luxury to have someone clean your house but it can be affordable. My job is cleaning and I work all day, and don't want to come home and clean my own house. That's why most people hire me."
So what are your little luxuries? What if money was no hurdle? Share your thoughts and dreams below.
Here is more information about Fresia Granados, Rock Bottom Gym and Sweeping Beauty.
