What I've learned about Groupon & Dealfind deals

Well, this post is me postulating what I've learned from personal experience about Groupon & Dealfind deals.  Are they really deals?  It depends on the offer.  When it comes to online companies where I buy a voucher that can be redeemed with a physical product, I haven't had any problems or issues.  But of the 3 salon/spa vouchers that I purchased, two of the 3 businesses refused to honor the voucher.  The first place claimed (falsely) that I had already redeemed the voucher.  Their proof was that someone had highlighted my voucher number on their list with a yellow highlighter.  The second place had set up a "fake" number to call for appointments, which couldn't be reached to make an appointment at all.

Of the third place, Orchid Salon & Spa in Houston, I had one of the better spa experiences ever.  My mani and pedi were done by two women who were very kind, polite, respectful, and did a really good job.  My facial was done by a third woman who was also very kind and professional.  I could see how if I had gone to Orchid Salon & Spa first, I would want to buy more Groupon & Dealfind spa deals.

But after looking up how Groupon & Dealfind make money on Wikipedia, I realize that spa deals are never going to be reliable.  You see, the Spa/Salon agrees to sell you a $170 Groupon/Dealfind at the price of $40.  But, Groupon/Dealfind takes half of that money.  So the Spa/Salon receives $20 for providing you with $170 service.  In this situation, the only winner is Groupon/Dealfind, who made $20 for every deal sold, but they otherwise don't provide any further service.  The business, especially if it's a small business, may find itself on the losing end of the deal because they are the ones actually providing you with the service, but getting paid a pittance for their time and efforts.  This may lead them to have feelings of resentment towards the customer.  So the ultimate loser is the customer!  I have read so many horrible reviews from Groupon/Dealfind customers about being treated rudely, being denied service (like my first experience), and having terrible experiences (bleeding and pain!).

Why am I writing this?  I'm not sure, but I just want to share what my experiences have taught me if they can help even one other person.  You see, I had a great experience today.  It was fantastic!  And I would definitely return to Orchid Salon & Spa again in the future.  But if I knew from the beginning that I'd have to go through 2 bad to have 1 good, I personally do not think the trade-off is worth it.  In general, it is true: You get what you pay for!  And the few times that you are pleasantly surprised - well, those are amazing moments :-)

Games Afoot

After running my first ever 5K with my dear friend, Elizabeth Valdes, Eric and I went to the Baptist Student Ministry's Annual Brunch.  While we were there, we were approached by a very nice lady, who works with Methodist Hospital Systems.  Well, she graciously offered us some tickets to the Astros and Cardinals game this past Sunday.  We were able to take Michael & Nathan.  Since they were club seats, we were also provided with some delicious ball-game fare as well as pink yoga mats!!  It was super fun and I think the boys had a great experience! :-)

We had the privilege of having our Sunday School friends over for Bible Study on Monday nights this year.  After we finished our study on the book of James, we decided to have a fun pizza and movie night.  We adults watched "Courageous," which is a fantastic movie that really encourages fathers to be Godly men and influences on their kids.  I forget what the boys watched, but they sure looked like they were enjoying their popcorn.

It is truly such a blessing for us to be allowed to host our Sunday School Bible Studies, which is an answer to our prayers.  Each time I have ever moved to a new home, whether single, or now with a wonderful family, I have prayed that God would use the home to be a blessing to others, for His work and purposes, and ultimately for His glory.  What a wonderful blessing for us that we have such good company regularly and Michael has the opportunity to play with his self-proclaimed best friend, Jonathan Collins!

This past Wednesday night, Michael & Nathan's choir had their end-of-the-year Spring program.  As Little Praisers, they dress up as animals.  Nathan got to be an adorable little zebra and Michael was a super-cute elephant.  As a matter of fact, even as I type this, Michael is running around the house wearing his elephant ears and tail, grunting/trumpeting, and claiming to be a "big elephant."  Ever since we made his costume on Wednesday, he has worn his little costume every day.  And if he feels "hot" from running around with the hat, he takes his pants off, but leaves the costume on!

 

Their new favorite song:

Who is the King of the jungle?

Hoo Hoo (beating chest)

Who is the King of the sea?

Bubble bubble bubble (hands together swimming)

Who is the King of the universe? (stars with hands)

And who's the King of me? (thumbs point to self)

I'll tell you (shouted)

J-E-S-U-S, Yes!! (arms up)

He is the King of me! (thumbs point to self)

He is the King of the universe, (stars with hands)

The jungle and the sea. (beating chest + swimming hands)

Bubble bubble bubble (swimming hands); Hoo Hoo!! (beat chest)

What else is going on in my life?  Well, I'm going to have to get the windshield of my minivan replaced.  My big strong husband won the battle with a mosquito, but unfortunately, there was some expensive collateral damage!

Michael & Nathan love riding their horse.  This was one of the best buys I made at a garage sale!  At first, I thought the $50 price tag was a little steep for a used toy, but it actually was in "like new" condition.  While they have ridden the horse together before, this is the first time I've seen them both climb up on the horse together without the help of Eric or myself.

I have been teaching Michael how to play the piano.  He's been playing the C-scale with both hands, as well as "There was a catapillar," to the tune of "99 bottles of beer on the wall."

There was a catapillar,

He lived up in a tree.

He wiggled high; He wiggled low; He wiggled right at me.

I put him in a cupboard box

"Now don't you move," I said.

And when I looked inside there was a butterfly instead.

Oh, only God can do this.

Only God, you see.

Only God in heaven above makes butterflies for me.

Review of "Pershing - Commander of the Great War"

Title: “Pershing – Commander of the Great War” by John Perry

 This book is the story of General John J. Pershing, a U.S. army officer who is little known, but was of caliber of George Washington, Eisenhower, and Patton.  The book portrays him as a very strict man who demanded much of those under his command, but this was probably what made him the general that he was, the only U.S. army officer to be commissioned General of the Armies during his lifetime.  Incidentally, George Washington is the only other person to also be commissioned General of the Armies, but he was done so 150 years posthumously.

I found “Pershing” to be interesting, especially for a person who normally prefers fiction.  There were moments when it got a little slow and dry, but that is to be expected.  I did not have too much of a problem with some of the other complaints of General Pershing being described as harsh in one moment and a kind and good person in a different situation.  To me, General Pershing came across as being well compartmentalized in what he did, separating work from family life and from social life.  I don’t think anyone’s perfect, so I do think it’s plausible for a good person to still have flaws and personal struggles.  It was really impressive to me to read about all the things that Pershing accomplished and did as a General, which I believe saved millions of soldiers lives.  I think he is definitely a General worthy of respect and honor and more people should read this book to understand the history of the U.S. better, because he had such a profound impact on how the military operates and functions today, as well as the outcome of WWI and other wars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”