Wasn't sure if you were all aware of this site that offers half-off deals on local restaurant meals, spa services, and occasional events, such as dinner cruises. It's called Groupon. There are groupons for different regions, and if you sign up (free) they will email you their "deal of the day" in your area. I check out all nearby areas, and also anywhere I plan on visiting. Here is a link: http://www.groupon.com/r/uu15960442

Yesterday's deal here was for a fantastic New York City restaurant which I love but cannot afford. With $20 purchase of a Gropuon, I am entitled to $40 worth of dinner from their dinner menu. So excited. The expiration date on this one is July '11, but sometimes they are even further out.

The upside is for a little splurge you can get a lot. Downside is you have to shell out the money first, so you'll want to make sure it is definitely somewhere you will go.

I took advantage of a groupon deal one time  - a cooking class! it was a good deal and I had fun. sometimes jane4girls blog will alert to a groupon in another city that will work for other places such as movie tickets, etc for a chain cinema.

If you you also use eBates go there before you purchase a groupon - you'll get 3% cash back.

Similar sites include buywithme.com and deals.livingsocial.com  BuyWithMe is also on eBates - 5.5% cash back.

wow didn't think about ebates! thanks!

I'll have to check out ebates-- I've never even heard of it!

I love Groupon; I get great deals on stuff I would never normally be able to afford!  I have my settings set to male, instead of female, because you get different gourpons that way!  It's nice to mix it up sometimes! 

I just bought one where I paid $10 for $20 worth of whatever at Barnes and Noble!