Archive for December, 2009

GrouponGuru is moving to the Queen City!

December 30, 2009

Again, so sorry for the lack of posts the last few weeks… I headed home for the Holidays and enjoyed relaxing with my family.  While home I got great news about a job offer…so in a little over a week, I’ll be moving to Charlotte, NC! Although I’ll miss the District, I’m excited to continue blogging about Groupon deals in Charlotte.  I hope you will join me as I explore a new city through Groupon!

I have several deals that I bought in Washington that I am not going to be able to use.  If anyone is interested in buying any of these deals below, send an e-mail to grouponguru @ gmail.com.  I will sell them for 1/2 of what I paid (at least 75% off the real price) if the buyer will take pictures and guest blog about his/her experience.

Deals:

$25 to Bullfeathers on Capitol Hill

2 passes good for 3 games at Ultrazone Laser Tag (can be purchased together or separately)

3 Monkey Bar Gym or Krav Maga Classes

Happy 2010!

New Year….a New You!

December 29, 2009

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! I realize that I have been MIA over the holidays and will also be pretty MIA over the next few weeks … LOTS going on … news on that coming soon!

I have never been great at sticking to my New Year’s Resolutions…probably because I make pretty broad goals that I loose focus of quickly.  This year, I’m going to do much better!  If you’re in the same boat that I’m always in, try Groupon’s Resolution motivation:

Whether your resolution is to have a healthier diet, to get in shape or to take up a new hobby/activity, Groupon can help!  And, if you buy 2 deals before January 3rd, you get $10 in Groupon Bucks!

Check our the deals in your city and have a  HAPPY 2010!

Bedford Springs Resort

December 17, 2009
Deal: $149 for a Night at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa ($270 value)
Grade: A

This weekend Ted, Betsy, Robbie and I headed up to the Omni’s Bedford Springs Resort in Pennsylvania.  It was the perfect weekend getaway from Washington, DC — just a 2 hour trip.  While the hotel was very cozy and the accommodatations lovely, I would not suggest Bedford Springs if you’re looking for an action packed weekend (unless it’s warm and you like to golf and hike), however, if you’re looking to relax — I certainly was –  this is the place for you!

I’m still a rookie at this blog stuff and showed up with a dead camera battery…so I took the liberty of borrowing some pictures from others…

Omnihotels.com

The Accommodations: The first of the hotel’s buildings was constructed in 1806.  Since then, 10 US Presidents have visited this hotel.  In 2007, the current renovations were complete.  The accommodations at Bedford Springs were fantastic — on the same level as The Homestead or The Greenbrier.  The lobby was very welcoming, with tons of areas to sit and relax and the rooms were also comfortable, clean and appropriately up to date.

Flickr: Abaynoash

The Food: We ate dinner at The Crystal Room, one of the three dining options for dinner.  I ordered a “Maytag Bleu” salad (similar to a wedge)  which had way too much dressing and cheese.  For my entree, I had the pork tenderloin which was way overcooked.  Breakfast was also in The Crystal Room.  While it was a step up from dinner, it wasn’t the best breakfast buffet I’ve had.  Overall, I thought the food was very overpriced for the quality.

Omnihotels.com

I do have to brag on the Tavern’s onion rings.  Robbie had spotted the onion rings earlier in the day, so we decided to have a pre-dinner appetizer at the Tavern.  They were DELISH!  I’ve also heard they serve a mean cheeseburger — guess I’ll have to go back to check it out.  (I also loved the Tavern because they let us bring our own bottle of wine — cheap, cheap cocktail option before dinner!)

Spring’s Eternal Spa: The four of us booked spa appointments on Saturday afternoon and spent most of our time there.  Although I was expecting the spa to be a little bit bigger (the relaxation room got very crowded at times), the amenities were superb and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful.   If I have the opportunity to return to Bedford Springs, I plan on spending most of my time in the spa!

Omnihotels.com

Overall, Bedford Springs was a hidden gem in the Pennsylvania mountains and I would recommend it to anyone wanted to getaway for a short trip.

Give the Gift of Groupon!

December 11, 2009

My Christmas shopping is done — is yours?  If not, give your friends and family the gift of Groupon this year!  You can now give Groupon Bucks or Today’s Deal!

GrouponGuru Deal of the Day — Fitness Together!

December 9, 2009

Is your New Years Resolution always to work out more often and to get in shape?  Mine usually is…and I usually fail after a few months.  There is no better way to keep you on track than hiring your own personal trainer!  Today’s DC Groupon to Fitness Together is the answer to succeeding at this year’s resolution.

Another blogger — Kate at Elefantitas Alegres uses Fitness Together too!

Merry Groupon Christmas!

December 7, 2009

It’s that time of year!  Time to break out the Christmas mixed CDs and your tacky Christmas sweaters!  Need something else to get your Christmas Spirit up?  Check out these deals featured on Groupon today.

BOSTON! Head out to Smolak Farms and pick up your Christmas tree for 49% off!

CHARLOTTE! Tickets to see “The Santaland Diaries” at the Actor’s Theater!

CHICAGO! If the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy doesn’t put you in the Christmas Spirit, I don’t know what will!

KANSAS CITY! Tickets to “A Spectacular Christmas” at 48% off!

SAN DIEGO!  Need something to send to a client or distant friend?  Check out Cookies by Design!

Continue to check out Groupon this December for more holiday deals!…I’m not making any promises, but am willing to bet there will be more!

Nominate Groupon!

December 3, 2009

Nominate Groupon for the Best Internet Application Crunchie Award!

Feed Your Soul Cookies

December 2, 2009

Deal: $22 for Two Dozen Cookies from Feed Your Soul ($45 Value)

Grade: A-

I decided to send my 2 Dozen Cookies from Feed Your Soul home over Thanksgiving to help satisfy the sugar cravings of all my mother’s side of the family.  I requested the package arrive the Wednesday before Thanksgiving…and sure enough, there they were on November 25th.

We broke into the box of cookies that night after dinner.  They were a little tough to open…but we tore into them eventually.

Overall, the cookies got positive reviews from everyone, with the exception of Dad, who wasn’t a fan of the Chunky Peanut Butter Cookie.

Dad wasn't a fan....but what does he know!

Signing up online was a breeze, the cookies were delivered on time, they tasted delicious, and I got to pick a charity to donate a portion of my purchase to!

Need a gift to send to a colleague or client over the holidays?  Know a sick friend that could use a pick-me-up?   What about a child in the middle of exams?  Who doesn’t love cookies?  Check out Feed Your Soul for your next gift purchase this holiday season.