Words of Advice on Daily Deal Sites and Buying Vouchers

I have a few words of advice for using your daily deal site vouchers. 1. You will usually have at least a few month window to use your voucher. Aim to use it your first month if possible. That way if you have to reschedule, you still have time. For obvious reasons, avoid waiting until close to the expiration date. 2. Remember, if your certificate does accidentally expire, it is ALWAYS worth the value you paid for it. Never just throw it away or write it off as lost. 3. If you have a problem with the deal or made a mistake, ALWAYS contact the company you bought it from and try and work it out. Living Social and Groupon are excellent with their customer service, quick answers and in finding resolution. I can't say enough good things about them. 4. Make a list of the vouchers you buy and post it in a cupboard or some place you will see it. I like to create my list broken out by expiration date month, first to expire listed first. This helps me to see what I have to use and when and to plan into the future. 5. If the voucher is something that does not require planning to use (for example your favorite sandwich shop), consider leaving it in your glove compartment, so you have it when you are on the run. 6. These sites offer the best way I know to try new businesses and also save a huge amount in the process. I cannot tell you how many great businesses and products I have become acquainted with because I tried them through Groupon or another site. Do not be intimidated by them. They are easy to use and easy to redeem. Hope these tips help you and encourage you to give it a try if you aren't currently buying them.

Free Entry to Local Museums/Attractions from San Marcos Library

San Marcos Library offers free admission tickets to 4 local places: Birch Aquarium, Museum of Making Music, Oceanside Surf Museum, and Oceanside Museum of Art. All you need to do is go to the desk, show your library card and choose a date to go. It's offered through the Friends of the San Marcos Library.

$25 for 2-Hour Painting Class at Local Wineries and Restaurants

Create your own masterpiece and bring out your inner artist!  These 2-hour painting parties look fun and there are finally an abundance of opportunities in North County at places like: Fifty Barrels Urban Winery, Fratelli's Oceanside, Tuscany (Carlsbad) and Q (Oceanside).  Check it out!
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4368919-10872943?url=http%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/paint-nite-19

Mini-Vacation Stress Reduction Treatments at Anna's Aesthetics- Only $35

Try Anna's Aesthetics newly developed "Mini-Vacation Stress Reduction Treatment" for only $35. Email for an appointment at DavisAnna19@gmail.com. It's perfect when you need a little "me time," pampering and just pure relaxation. 

Tips for Whale Watching Tours- It's Prime Season in San Diego

Whale watching is big this time of year in San Diego. Prime season is December though April in San Diego.  The U-T Tribune put together a nice list of helpful suggestions for when you take your tour.
Dress for cold and wind. Layer with long pants and rubber soled shoes.

• Bring: sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, binoculars and hats if they are secured to head.
• Be prepared: Be at the boat at least 15 minutes early, and use the bathroom before you sail. Dramamine is a good idea if you tend to get motion sickness.  Ginger ale and crackers can also help a sick stomach.
• Check your individual boat for dining options or if they allow you to bring snacks/lunches.
• Deals- there are always deals available for whale watching tours. Check your daily deal sites and entertainment books for coupons. Occasionally if your trip spots no whales, they will offer a return trip at no extra cost.  Check with your individual ship for guarantees.

Also, please check out this U-T posted writeup on whale watching from the perspective of a mom, it's so helpful!

Book Place Vista Giveaway Awarded

Thank you to Book Place, Vista for sponsoring Around The Town's latest giveaway to celebrate it's 3rd anniversary in business this week! Congratulations!  Deborah Beccar was the winner of the $25 gift certificate drawing on Wednesday the 26th! Woo hoo! Book Place Vista is a great place to shop gently used books in the Shadowridge neighborhood of Vista. It's a clean, well-organized store with low-priced books for all ages and tastes. It's also a great place to recycle books you are done with for a store credit. Please read more about their business "In The Spotlight" on Around The Town's web page (see link). 

Discounted Wine Tasting for 2 or 4 at Mattucci Winery in Oceanside

Buy a discounted wine tasting package for either 2 or 4 people at Mattucci Winery in Oceanside. $18 for 2, or save even more and pay $30 for 4.  http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-4368919-10872943?url=http%3A//www.groupon.com/deals/mattucci-winery-1