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Health & Fitness

Jump on the Deals Train!

Your guide to the best deal websites in the Bay Area. Take a peek and save some money.

We all can appreciate a deal, a markdown, a bargain. What's more is if the deal can be shared, is family friendly, or if a deal gives back. Interestingly enough there has been a deals trend the past few years with Groupon copycats and we are not complaining. Here is a list of deal sites for families, for moms, for couples, and for giving back. There are some that even feature getaways and events. Ah, saving money never felt so good. 

Plum District: Deals for Savvy moms and Families - Calling all you posh and social moms, here is a sight that has loads of "Plum deals" ranging from teeth whitening to admission passes to nearby farms. From beauty treatments to family affairs, this site will be your Plum appeal. http://www.plumdistrict.com/

Yelp Deals: Sales & Offers near You - If you're not Yelping, pick up a deal in all things active, health related, and fun. Yelp never seems to disappoint me with their marketing. Why not search for deals according to where you live, by service, or by category and get out and about on a budget? And yes, there is a star rating by each service featured for your reviewing pleasure. http://www.yelp.com

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Groupon: All hail the king of deals - When Groupon first came out, we screamed, we laughed with joy, we spent our money on deals we didn't know existed. Can we say deals fury? With tons of exposure and companies featured we wouldn't have thought of, how can we say no? Groupon saves your deals and let's you know when they expire, AND they even have a new feature where you can personalize your deals. Not to mention their website is updated daily to keep those deals flowing constantly. Don't let the clock timer on each deal pressure you either. Buy at your own leisure and spread the word so you can earn credit for future deals. http://www.groupon.com

LivingSocial: Deals, Escapes, Family - Groupon's biggest competition and I can see why. With daily escapes that keep you from pinching pennies during those family vacations or date nights, who says the occasional excursion has to be expensive? Tons of locations to travel to keeping your budget in mind, and adding in a few extra anemities to top it off. Their share with 3 program allows you to share with 3 people and if they sign up for the deal you want, your deal is free. Score! Wine trips, weekend date nights, and family fun always has me craving for more. Don't forget to get the iphone app.  http://livingsocial.com

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Bloomspot: Live Life Better - Ahh...an oasis of offers. Yoga anyone? Or maybe a massage? Bloomspot took healthy living, exquisite offers, and your budget in mind and rolled it all into one lovely package. This site has exclusive offers all around the  Bay Area and with it's chic design, has customers coming back for more luxurious experiences. From fine dining, to medical spa services, your well being never comes second. http://www.bloomspot.com

Social Goodies: Changing the World one Purchase at a Time - Here's how it works. Offers with over 70% off face value. If you purchase a deal, 20% of every purchase goes to one of their featured charities. The more you share with others, the more money is given. Quick, easy, and rewarding as it says on their website. Deals and giving is the perfect way to boost your do-gooding and learn about local charities. Their site is easy on the eye and focuses on giving back. Fairly new company but do not underestimate the good in all of us. If you're going to buy, why not buy with a cause? http://www.socialgoodies.com

BayArea.org: Good Deeds, Great Deals. - Spin-off of Social Goodies, but helping others and our budget, nonetheless. More local deals at the click of your mouse. Featuring local non-profits throughout the Bay Area, Bayarea.org wants to give back. If you have ideas on non profits you'd like to give money to, you can let them know. They donate 10% of the purchases made through them. Good deeds don't go overlooked. http://www.bayarea.org

Scoutmob: Mobile Deals for the Local Curious - Deals featured mostly in S.F but they not only give you deals which can be downloaded on their awesome app, there are snippets of information ranging from local's favorite things to do in their area to weekend finds. Think if SF Weekly and Living Social were dating and things got serious and they made a baby. That joyous bundle of joy would be Scoutmob. Love the urban appeal this site has as well as the love they give to local artists and events. Deals are texted right to your mobile device or you can get off their iphone app. Check out their map - They've mobbed cities with deals all over the nation. http://scoutmob.com

Trubates: Working with the best local merchants to get you great offers - just type in your zip code and a list of offers flood your screen. Their referral program is $20 for each friend you sign up. The deals are all within your area and even a little further to expand your bargain hunting. From spa treatments to dinner deals, you won't go broke searching for a deal here. http://www.trubates.com

8moms: Brought to you from Kidville, in Partnership with Parenting Magazine to bring you deals from 8 moms with their own personality. - Take a group pf 8 moms  all different and mix that with the best deals with the best places, and you've got 8moms. Deals brought to you by each according to their style:

Charlotte - beauty, food, and other finds.

Jenn - deals for moms on the go

Summer - earth friendly deals

Gabriella - exciting, in the know deals

Kelly - super fun things to do with kids

Kiya - health and fitness

Gwen - exclusive deals 

Sasha - favorite spots from referrals

With so many deals to choose from, you won't be a sad momma! http://www.8moms.com

Some tips for deal spotting:

-Make sure you read the small print

-Check your expiration dates on your deals purchased. Some sites will even give you a heads up on expiring deals

-Most websites have contact info so if you have a problem printing out or attaining  your deal, refer to their customer service number.

-Some deals take a day to process, so be patient

-Print out your deal and bring it with you to the location even if it doesn't state this in your deal. You can never be too safe.

-When giving as a gift, be sure to make a copy of the deal yourself.

Do you know of any deal sites or places to get a good deal that I missed? Be sure to share them in the comment section. Enjoy!

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