A Groupon update!

Today's author: Lindsey

A while ago I wrote a blog about using sites like Groupon or Living Social when you go out to eat or want to do any activities. Even in the short time between then and now, these sites have grown in leaps and bounds and now offer even more things – warranting a well deserved update!

Here are 4 awesome ways you can use these sites every day:

Breakfast, lunch or dinner: Before it used to be that you had to wait almost 24hrs before your deal was ready to use. Now, however, you can use a Groupon or Living Social deal almost instantly after purchase which allows you to be more spontaneous with where and when you want to go. Late Saturday morning and feel like brunch? Get on the sites and see what sort of local restaurant has brunch deals, purchase, then jump and your car and go!

Goods: These sites are now offering new and improved ‘good’ deals. This is where you can purchase a name brand item for sometimes 75% what it should cost. Here a few real examples on the sites as of today: 35 K-Cup package for $25 (originally $45), Guess by Marciano Woman’s fragrance for $19 (originally $65) or a custom 25 page Snapfish photo book for $10 (originally $25).

Activities: Want to try a hot yoga class but don’t want to by a package? Or perhaps you love going to the symphony but tickets are so expensive to go all the time. Maybe you love random adventures but are not sure where to find fun and interesting place to go. Living Social and Groupon should be your go to for all of these! You can get great deals from basketball to ballroom dancing, the symphony to kayaking and everything in between. Take a look once and awhile and see what is out there! Right now in Pittsburgh you can get a local university D1 basketball ticket for $6 or a mani/pedi for $17. At those prices, why not both?

Travel and excitement: Want to go somewhere exotic? Why not check out Groupon or Living Socials travel deals! Instead of Lake Erie, go to Jamaica for less than $300 for a three night stay? There are continental and international deals from Tennessee to Dubai. Instead of planning the same old summer vacation, why not use that money on something new (and possibly cheaper!)

By the same token, make sure to check out the local Groupon’s or Living Socials when you are already at your destination. For example, my husband and I took a recent trip to NYC. We looked at the local Groupons and found one for a French restaurant in Times Square for $39. We got two appetizers, two entrees and wine, totaling a bill for almost $150. We however, only paid $39, thanks to Groupon!

Also, expand your horizons by using your local sites to try and experience new things right in your neighborhood. Lebanese restaurant has a deal? Why not go! It may become your new favorite type of food. You’ll never know till you try.