Showing posts with label deals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deals. Show all posts

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Groupon Staycation

I am taking a Relaxation Staycation next month. For two weeks in mid-March, I will be using spa-related Groupons to chill out all over the city. So far I have three: a facial, foot reflexology and a pedicure. Way I see it, if I can get a massage, a manicure and something else delightful I'm set to go.

I've been Grouponing it up as of late. I'm pretty sure the company's going to go under soon enough, so best to get as much use of it while I can. I bought 12 training sessions at The Motion Room for something like $39. You make an appointment to train in a small group, get personal attention from someone to show you how to do the exercises right and ensures you don't slack off. For someone as lazy and undisciplined as myself, this suits my needs. I've had three classes and two were great.

The first one was awful, but that wasn't their fault. I was backed up a la IBS and after 20 minutes, my abdomen was doing clenching agonizing waves and I thought I would puke. I lost all the colour in my face, which is quite something because I have so little, and staff rushed over to me. I had to sit, and because I was shaky from exercise, my hands were rattling as I reached for water. Because I was nauseas I couldn't articulate very well, and due to embarrassment I could only manage cryptic explanations.

They took my blood pressure, which was normal, and I went home feeling ridiculous. Half a bottle of Citro-Mag later and I was ready to try again. I've been sore, which is good, and I think the remaining nine workouts are going to go well. I'm seriously considering making a commitment to this place. I respond well to programs that build in accountability. I can't be trusted to exercise entirely on my own.

But back to the Staycation, I sort of accumulated a glut of vacation time. I was earning three weeks a year and taking about two, which caused the days to pile up. My company changed hands, which altered the vacation tally and suddenly I had something like seven weeks to take. And now I'm earning four weeks a year, so if I don't get on this, I'm going to have more time than I'll be able to manage taking. And what's the point of having the days if you don't use them?

I took a week before my wedding, a week at Christmas and a week for the honeymoon. And still I was swimming in time off and for some reason wasn't taking it. And that's just silly. But what's pretty cool is that not since school have I had two weeks off for vacation. I'm seriously looking forward to this. My last year in my 20s is a great time to take a rejuvenating break. And frankly, a good time to get in shape. And if I finish my book (30,000 words, y'all!) then I'll have really entered my 30s with a real bang, and good health to boot.

I'll blog about my Relaxation Staycation when it happens in less than a month (squee!)

Oh, and quite randomly, here is a picture of my hair. It's not been shampooed since I got it coloured back in February, and I often only use hot water now, with only occasional use of Priya Means Love or baking soda and apple cidar vinegar. I'll make a more in-depth entry about that soon:

It's seriously never been this healthy before.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Pretty Deals

I had my first glycolic peel today. It iched like a cast iron mofo. But sweet banjos, does it look good. My skin that is. My skin looks bitchin'. It's supple-looking and the groove that had been forming on my forehead is lighter. Apparently you're supposed to do about six of them for six weeks to get the fullest effect. I don't know if I'll be doing that yet. They're $40 a pop. $240 on frivolous skin care for a month and a half? A few years ago I'd totally do it. Now I'm trying to be more financially responsible.

Of course, a few years ago I didn't have the burgeoning wrinkles and fine lines I do now. Not that I've become a raisin the past few years, I've just noticed some subtle changes. Age is threatening to creep onto my face. It's already begun its dark dealings on my hair and now it's going for my skin. And I've mentioned this before: I'm mad-ass protective about my skin.

The reason I finally decided to go for a glycolic peel is because a Toronto deal came up for $19 and I couldn't resist a skin treatment for so cheap. I've just joined about half a dozen deal sites that sell discounted awesomeness all over the city. This was my first purchase and I'm sold.

I'm a sucker for spa stuff. If something might be good for my skin, I pretty much want to do it. Call it vanity, call it a vice, call it foolish, I don't care. I loves me some skin care. I've been fantasizing about facials and body scrubs for months. With these daily deals I might actually get a crack at some spa goodness for something I can afford.

Also on my radar is discounted maid service, excursions and massage. Certainly paints a pampered princess, doesn't it? Take me out, rub me, and clean up my mess! And for very little money!

Just for the record, I'm on FabFind, LivingSocial, Groupon, Dealsharing, StealTheDeal, Wag Jag and Buytopia. I'd link them, but I'm tired and that's what Google is for, yo.