Have you gotten your Groupon, located your Bloomspot or rejoiced in your Rue La La? Well perhaps you have yet to be invited to one of these online emporiums of discounted goods and services. Most can be accessed directly via their websites, even Rue La La, an online "private sale boutique," which maintains an air of exclusivity, is easily joined with nary a formal invite in sight.
Groupon, Bloomspot and Living Social are all excellent sites for dining and personal services, while the whimsically named Rue La La and ideeli focus on retail luxury items. Groupon deals I have personally enjoyed include a trip to Stevenswood Resort & Spa in Mendocino, a package of laser treatments at Smooth SF, and a fire dancing class at Temple of Poi.
Both Groupon and Living Social have created iPhone apps, which make downloading deals on the go as simple as a few taps on the screen.
These discount outreach programs seem to have emerged only recently, perhaps a silver lining to the dismal deprivation of the not so great recession.
May 24th update:
Another contender for the daily deal market - Plum District - has emerged. "Plum deals" are family oriented with recent deals including kids' martial arts classes and a %50 off family dinner deal at Cal Mart (of course the bargain groceries could be put to use for a fabulous singles' soiree as well).
http://plumdistrict.com/
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Deals by Delivery - From Restaurants to Retail, Invite-Only Discount Clubs Get Personal
Monday, May 10, 2010
Angel Island Anniversary & City Lights Books Reading - May Quick Events Listing
Free
Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
My site is back online!
Just a quick post to announce that my site is live once again.
www.sanfranciscowriter.com
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Power to the Publico
While I was out enjoying a bit of mid-day, mid-week Christmas shopping, ahhh the joys of a freelancer, I happened upon a little gem of a taqueria.
This concrete clad little taco shack is located in the heart of the busy Trader Joes/Bed Bath and Beyond shopping compound. You're basically dining in a giant garage.
While not traditional in its offerings or locale, Publico proved itself beyond reproof. I ordered one veggie taco and one grilled chicken taco. Both were a great balance of beans, toppings and spice - which was handy given the fact that the hot sauce on offer there is of the atomic habanero variety.
Aguas frescas and tortas are among other options rounding out the often rotating menu. The prices are very reasonable for a non-Mission pit-stop and they enhance the rather austere ambiance with a few nice eco-touches; biodegradable cutlery, recycled napkins, potted palms.
If you'd prefer not to break your holiday shopping stride, Publico makes the grade.
(between Bryant St & Brannan St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sangria and Spritzers. I'm Back! And I come bearing peace offerings.
My regrettably long hiatus has finally halted. I've decided to break my blogging fast with a few indulgences that should delight readers with a thirst for a return to summer. The ingredients for these warm-weather refreshments are still easily found in most local markets - so return to the lazy days of summer with a few fizzy sips.
Rosé Spritzer
4 oz Rosé
2 oz Club Soda
Lemon Twist
Mint
Fill wine glass with ice. Pour in Rosé; top off with club soda. Garnish with lemon twist and sprig of mint.
Summer Sangria
1 Bottle of Red Wine
1 Lemon, cut into wedges
1 Lime
2 Tbsp Sugar
Splash of Mango or Peach Juice
2 Shots of Triple Sec
1 Cup of strawberries
1 Can pineapples
4 Cups ginger ale
Sprigs of Mint
Combine all ingredients and place mixture in refrigerator for 24 hours.
Salud!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Back After a Long Hiatus & Happy Cuatro de Julio!
I had a challenging month but am ready to get back in action! Just recovering from a very intense bout with the flu, the departure of my housemate, cross country travel and other distractions.
I will resume regularly updating this blog on a regular basis as of this month.
Thanks to any and all of you who are following my entries.
Happy Fourth of July!
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