Find Your Perfect Workout!

Posted September 27th, 2011 by kyla

There are so many different workouts available these days that it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Below is a quick run-down of four popular workouts to help you decide what fitness path you should take.

Yoga

What it is: An ancient discipline that creates harmony between the mind, body, and spirit through the combination of exercises, breathing, and meditation. There are over 100 schools of yoga, with Bikram among the most popular.

What it does: Physical benefits of yoga include increased strength and flexibility, improved posture, and better balance. It also has a slew of mental benefits, including lower stress, better sleep, and increased concentration.

Celebs who love yoga: Gwyenth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Ricky Martin, Sarah Jessica Parker

Get started for less than $50: 1 month unlimited hot yoga classes in Redondo Beach ($30)
1 month unlimited yoga in Rancho Palos Verdes ($30)
10 yoga classes in Los Angeles ($40)

Spinning

What it is: An intense aerobic exercise on stationary bikes that incorporates hill climbs, sprints and interval training.

What it does: Burns fat like no other, with about 400-500 calories burned in a typical 40-min spin class. Also strengthens muscles in the lower body, tones thighs and buttocks and increases cardiovascular endurance.

Celebs who love spinning: Julia Roberts, Hilary Swank, Will Ferrell, Helen Hunt

Get started for less than $60: 2 weeks unlimited spinning classes in Redondo Beach ($32)
2 indoor cycling classes in Manhattan Beach ($16)
One month unlimited spin in Redondo Beach ($60)

CrossFit

What it is: A strength and conditioning program that combines weightligting, sprinting, powerlifting, kettlebell training, plyometrics, gymnastics, rowing, and medicine ball training – all in short (10-20 mins) but intense and varied workouts.

What it does: Increases cardio/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, agility, coordination and accuracy.

Celebs who love CrossFit: Jessica Biel, Cameron Diaz, Matt Damon, Jennifer Garner, Sylvester Stallone

Get started for less than $50: 8 CrossFit classes in Manhattan Beach ($49)
1 week unlimited CrossFit + one private training session in Harbor City ($49)

Pilates

What it is: A body conditioning routine based on concentration, control, centering, flow/efficiency of movement, precision, and breathing.

What it does: Builds flexibility, strength, and coordination. Results in longer, leaner muscles without bulk, flatter abs, smaller waist and improved posture and balance.

Celebs who love Pilates: Reese Witherspoon, Megan Fox, Mandy Moore, Sandra Bullock

Get started for less than $75: 5 Pilates mat classes in El Segundo ($45)
2 private reformer Pilates classes in Santa Monica ($75)
2 group Pilates classes + 1 private class in Manhattan Beach ($60)

Worst Food (& Drinks) In America

Posted July 25th, 2011 by kyla

When it comes to eating out, how much do you really know about what you’re eating? Sure, you know that some things aren’t healthy – like fast food – but if you knew just how unhealthy it really is, you might think twice before pulling in to the drive-thru. And, there are some menu items you might think aren’t so bad for you – like drinks from your favorite coffee joint – but even beverages can pack quite the caloric punch.

Read on for some of the worst things you can eat and drink – and some healthier alternatives!

Worst Smoothie: Jamba Juice Chocolate Moo’d Power Smoothie (30 oz.)
900 calories | 10 g fat | 183 g carbs | 166 g sugar
166 grams of sugar? Almost 1,000 calories?! Men’s Health reports that 75% of this chain’s “Power Smoothies” have over 100 grams of sugar. That’s like eating almost 10 Milky Ways!
Eat Instead: Grab a vegan smoothie from Planet Earth Eco Cafe in Hermosa Beach – these all-natural beverages are delicious, organic, and half off when you use your Cloop!

Worst Ice Cream Treat: Outback Steakhouse Thunder From Down Under
2,020 calories |88 g saturated fat | 161 g carbohydrates
According to Yahoo! Health, eating just one of these sugar-bombs a week will add 2 lbs. of body fat to your frame in a month!
Eat Instead: Grab one of the 80 flavors of all-natural gelato and sorbet from 22 Degrees Prebiotic Gelato in Redondo Beach. You’ll get your cold creamy fix, but without the calories – a serving of this stuff has less calories than 1/2 cup of soybeans!

Worst Hot Coffee Drink: Starbucks Venti White Chocolate Mocha
580 calories| 22 g fat (15 g saturated) | 75 g sugar
As MSNBC points out, this drink is the caloric equivalent to six tablespoons of full-fat mayo. Gross.
Eat Instead: Opt for a cup of joe – organic, house roasted joe, that is – from Green Roast Coffee in Redondo Beach. It’s tasty, eco-friendly, good for you . . . and $5 for $10 with your Cloop!

Worst Burger: Chili’s Southern Smokehouse Bacon Burger
2,290 calories | 139 grams of fat | 46 grams of saturated fat | 6,500 mg sodium
As Health.com points out, this artery-clogging meal has more fat and sodium than anyone should consume in two days.
Eat Instead: Consider ditching the patty altogether and getting one of the all-natural, hormone-free vegan “burgers” at Vegan Plate in Studio City.

Personality Quiz: What Kind of Deals Are Best For You?

Posted July 19th, 2011 by kyla

Take this quick, 5-question quiz to see what kind of deal site customer you are . . . and see which deals we’ve hand-picked for your personality!

1. What is your idea of a perfect Friday night?

a. Getting dressed up and going to a trendy restaurant
b. Attending a sporting event
c. Going to a yoga class, then tea or coffee with a friend
d. Spending quality time with your family

2. You get an unexpected bonus from work. On what are you most likely to spend it?

a. A manicure and haircut at your favorite salon
b. A shopping spree at the local sporting goods store
c. A mind-clearing massage at a relaxing day spa
d. Something fun for your kids

3. At which of the following would you most like to eat?

a. An upscale restaurant with fine food and extensive wine list
b. A sports bar that serves up burgers and billiards side-by-side
c. An eatery with a focus on healthy, fresh, natural dishes
d. Anywhere that’s good for the whole family

4. On an average Saturday afternoon, you’d likely be found wearing which of the following?

a. Designer jeans and a piece of statement jewelry – it’s important to always look pulled together
b. A swimsuit – after all, it’s summer in SoCal and you’re at the beach!
c. Organic cotton sundress and sandals – comfy, cute, breezy
d. Whatever you managed to pull out of the closet in the five minutes you had between waking up and shuttling your kids to their friends’ houses

5. You’re shopping for a new car, and cost isn’t an issue. Which do you drive off the lot?

a. A stylish sports car
b. An SUV that can fit your bike, surfboard, and camping equipment
c. A hybrid with great gas mileage
d. Something big enough to cart around your kids and their friends

How did you answer?

Mostly A’s: The Trendsetter
You always look put together, love fashion, and stay on top of all the current trends. We’ve got good news: you can be frugal and fabulous! Here are some deals that’ll help you do just that:
Half off a 50-minute deep cleansing facial in Manhattan Beach
Half off shoes, bags, and other chic accessories in Hermosa Beach
Half off haircut and sunkissed summer highlightsin El Segundo

Mostly B’s: The Outdoors Lover
You’re right at home living in sunny SoCal, always taking advantage of the beautiful weather and landscapes. We’ve got a bunch of deals for the sports lover in you, including these:
70% off 2 outdoor private training sessions in Manhattan Beach
60% off running video analysis in Manhattan Beach
Half off food and fun at an awesome sports barin Manhattan Beach

Mostly C’s: The Health Guru
Whether it’s your health or that of the planet, you like things to be in perfect harmony. We’ve got a slew of great deals that’ll keep your mind and body in top-top shape, including:
55% off 1 hour massage in Hermosa Beach
Half off organic coffee, teas, pastries and sandwiches in Redondo Beach
67% off complete wellness consultation and acupuncture in Los Angeles

Mostly D’s: The Busy Parent
You’ve got kids, which means what you don’t have is a lot of time. Here are some deals that’ll keep your family happy and your wallet full (well, fuller, at least):
75% off two in-home music lessons in the South Bay
2 hours of organizing time in your home for South Bay residents
4 weeks of Tiny Tots music lessons in El Segundo

Here’s to a Constructive Carmageddon: How to Use the 405 Closure to Your Advantage

Posted July 13th, 2011 by kyla

With Carmageddon just around the corner, millions of SoCal residents are trying to decide how they’re going to spend this weekend – you know, the one where the 405 is closed for 53 hours. Gulp.

Most people have come to the conclusion that it’s probably best to stay home – but what do you do for an entire homebound weekend? Sure, you could catch up on all the shows that have been sitting in your TiVo queue for the past three months, but why not be productive while you’re hiding from the highway havoc?

We’ve got a few ideas about how to put Carmageddon to good use – while saving a few bucks:

1. Establish a home workout routine
There’s not always enough time in the day to hit the gym, so you’ve found yourself vowing to bust out those old workout DVD’s in your living room or do some crunches before bed . . . but somehow, that doesn’t end up happening. Make this weekend the time you finally start a home workout routine for days you can’t make it to the gym (here are some ideas), and in the meantime, pick up $50 worth of home workout equipment for just $25!

2. Spend a (carless) day at the beach
Bike to the beach for a day of fun in the sun, spent sunning on the sand instead of stalled on the street. Once you’re there, lock up your own two-wheeler for a bit and let someone else take you up and down the strand for a stress-free view of the beach – we’ve got an oceanside bike-drawn carriage ride for just $15!

3. Get organized
Once you’re homebound for a couple of days, you might find it harder to overlook messes around the house. If your abode could benefit from some organizing, take advantage of the congested city streets by rolling up your sleeves and finally doing long-procrastinated chores, like getting your files in order or de-cluttering your garage. But don’t do it alone: organization experts can make tasks like these easier – with better results. Get two hours of organizing time – worth $114 – for just $50 – and come out of Carmageddon a little cleaner!

A Cloops Milestone: $100,000 Saved!

Posted July 11th, 2011 by kyla

Last week, we hit an exciting milestone here at Cloops: we officially surpassed $100,000 in savings for our customers! That’s right – our deals have saved our savvy users over 100,000 big ones . . . and, just in case you’re wondering exactly what you could do with that amount of money, we compiled a list.

The money saved through the awesome deals on Cloops is enough to do any of the following:

1) See the country
You could take a taxi from Los Angeles to New York City and back about 5 ½ times. That’s one serious road trip!

2) Get some new wheels
You could get six Honda Civics – or, one Porsche 911 Targa Coupe.

3) Hear a former president speak at your event
Bill Clinton’s speaking fees start at $100,000 – but they can run higher than $300,000, so you better hope he’s feeling generous.

4) Get a teen star to attend your event
Yep, Selena Gomez has a $100k appearance fee, too. Makes sense – after all, starring in The Wizards of Waverly Place is pretty much the same thing as being the leader of the free world for 8 years.

5) Make another $17,500 – without doing anything
That is, if you put the entire $100,000 in a savings account with 1.08% APR for the next 15 years.

6) Gorge on hamburgers
You could get 36, 363 Double Doubles at In-N-Out . . . or, if you got ‘em with fries, you could hold up the drive thru with an order for 25,380.

7) Work off the burgers with 249 friends
$100k buys you about 250 treadmills.

How to Save Money With Couponing, Cash-Only Diets, & Freecycling

Posted June 2nd, 2011 by kyla

It’s no secret that here at Cloops, we love saving people money. Although our hundreds of deals for local restaurants, spas and salons, services, and more are a great way to get on the savvy spending wagon, today’s recession-conscious shoppers are finding more ways than ever to stretch the almighty dollar.

Rediscover Cash
One way to keep yourself from overspending is by going cash-only. This means giving yourself a set amount of cash every week (or two weeks, or month – whatever works for you), and forgetting about your credit cards. The theory behind this nothin’-but-cash lifestyle – championed by money guru Suze Orman – is simple: you can’t spend what you don’t have.

Budget-conscious bloggers have been experimenting with the “Cash Only Diet” for years, and of those that manage to stick with it, the consensus is almost always the same: it can be challenging – especially at first – but it’s an effective way to save money and get out of debt. Check out the blogs below for only a few examples of people who bid their plastic adieu and saved some green as a result:

A lemondrop staffer put herself on a budget of $220 a week – all cash – and gives a day-by-day documentation of her painstaking progress.

Bargain Babe goes credit card free and learns a little about budgeting, but even more about the emotions triggered by using cash.

The blogger behind Small Steps For Big Change goes cash-only . . . and it goes so well, he declares he may never go back!

Take Couponing To The Extreme
The Learning Channel has found success in a show about an unlikely subject: couponing! The series Extreme Couponing features people who have discovered that by taking couponing to a new level – in many cases, nothing short of a full-time job – that they can stock up on everything from food to cosmetics to toiletries and more for nearly nothing. It’s not uncommon for one of the coupon mavens featured on this series to get upwards of $800 in groceries for less than $10! Read more about the coupon craze:

ABC News takes a look at “super couponers” – shoppers whose clever clipping skills save them so much money at the grocery store, you might just be inspired to give it a try yourself.

If you’re inspired to get in on the couponing game, check out sites like Passion For Savings, Couponmom, or SmartSource.com.

Freecycle
Being green is hotter than every these days as people try to live more eco-conscious lives. But when it comes to saving green, Freecycling is all the rage. The Freecycle concept is pretty straightforward: when people have something they don’t want, they give it away – for free.

There are Freecycle groups all over the country, and countless websites are dedicated to the subject. You can score things large and small by Freecycling – from furniture to electronics to clothes and more, freecyclers are giving and getting some pretty amazing things for free! Want to get in on the zero-dollar acquisition action? Check out some of these sites:

10 Tips: How to be a ‘freecycler’

CNN offers a little background info on freecycling

Get started by finding a freecycle group in your area with Freecycle.org or the Freecycle Group Finder.

Eat Your Way to Better Skin

Posted May 9th, 2011 by kyla

These days, there are tons of ways to fight the signs of aging: from chemical peels to microdermabrasion to Botox to plastic surgery, anti-aging options seem endless. One easy, natural way you can get on the path towards skin that looks smoother, younger, and more radiant? Eat the right foods! Nature’s provided plenty of edible options for achieving healthy, younger-looking skin – and we’ve compiled a list of the skin-revving superstars below.

Super-Foods For Your Skin

Berries
Why they’re so great: Antioxidant properties help skin look younger by scavenging the body for free radicals that cause aging and protect against UV rays.
Also try: Plums, artichokes, beans, prunes, pecans

Salmon
Why it’s so great: It’s full of Omega 3′s, an anti-inflammatory than can help with everything from acne to eczema. It also prevents dryness and reduces wrinkles.
Also try: Flaxseeds and walnuts

Whole Wheat Bread
Why it’s so great: Its packed with selenium, a nutrient that helps preserve elastin – which keeps your skin smooth and firm.
Also try: Canned tuna, cottage cheese, brazil nuts, and oysters

Avocado
Why it’s so great: Packed with monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E, they assist in the production of collagen, enhance skin tone, balance skin’s Ph, and reduce appearance of wrinkles
Also try: Olive oil, canola oil, olives, and almonds

Sunflower Seeds
Why they’re so great: The high Vitamin E content helps slow the aging of skin cells, and also protects against UV rays and other free radicals
Also try: Hazelnuts, peanut butter, spinach, and broccoli

Water
Why it’s so great: C’mon, you know this one! Drinking enough water is key to healthy, younger-looking skin. Nothing helps fight the aging of skin like keeping it properly moisturized. This means at least 8 glasses a day!
Also try: There’s no substitution for pure H20! But if you need to switch up your beverages, reach for green tea: it also helps moisturize and is packed with age-fighting antioxidants.

Sweet Potato
Why it’s so great: Full of vitamin C, which irons out wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen.
Also try: Carrots, pumpkin, papaya, and butternut squash

Besides adding these foods to your next shopping list, get a jump-start on your gorgeous glow by taking advantage of the many skin beautifying deals on Cloops! From a powerful medical-grade peel provided by a mobile spa to wrinkle-defying Dysport injections to a damage-reversing IPL photofacial, Cloops has tons of deeply discounted skin services to choose from.

Test Your (Very Trivial) Knowledge

Posted April 13th, 2011 by kyla

Everyone loves a good quiz … right? See how many of the 6 questions below you can get right (no cheating!) Scroll down to see the correct answers after the jump. (If you don’t do well, don’t feel bad – our staff got an average of 1 question right!)

1. The U.S. enjoys an average of how many pints of ice cream per person, per year?

a. 12 pints
b. 60 pints
c. 48 pints
d. 5 pints

2. What were the names of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s two beagles?

a. This and That
b. Him and Her
c. Brown and White
d. Up and Down

3. What is the world’s best-selling instrument?

a. Guitar
b. Harmonica
c. Drums
d. Clarinet

4. Which of the following facts about the University of Nebraska Memorial stadium is true?

a. The only concession sold during the game (besides candy) is corn on the cob
b. Students are required to wear red in order to be admitted to the student section
c. The turf is replaced after every loss at home
d. During home games, it becomes the 3rd largest city in the state of Nebraska

5. How much does the world’s most expensive pizza cost?

a. $150
b. $500
c. $1,000
d. $3,000

6. The people with which natural hair color tend to have the most hairs on their head?
a. Black
b. Brown
c. Red
d. Blonde

And the correct answers are …

1. c
At an average of 48 pints per person per year, the U.S. eats more ice cream than any other nation. If you’re looking for a healthier (and delicious) alternative, try gelato – it has 70% less fat and calories than ice cream! Get $10 worth of delectable gelato from Paciugo in Manhattan beach for $5!

2. b
Two dogs named Him and Her? We can’t say President Johnson was the creative type… Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can’t spice things up a little with your pets. Head to Paws a While in Manhattan Beach for some seriously adorable leather and crystal dog collars – $70 worth for just $35!

3. b
You might not know anyone who plays it, but the harmonica is, in fact, the world’s best-selling instrument.

4. d
Memorial Stadium becomes the third largest city in the state of Nebraska when the Cornhuskers play a home game. Now those are some awesome fans! If you need a place to keep up with all your favorite sports action, head to Pockets Sports Bar & Grille in Manhattan Beach – and while you’re there, pick up $30 worth of food and drinks for just $15!

5. c
The world’s most expensive pizza is $1,000 and comes from Nino’s Bellisima in New York City. It’s topped with caviar, lobster, creme fraiche, and chives.

6. d
Whether blondes have more fun is debatable, but they do have more hair than other colors – an average of 120,000 strands to be exact. Redheads tend to have the least hair, with an average of 90,000 strands. No matter what your hair color, a great cut and color are always in order. Get full color, a cut, and a blowdry at Koby B Hair Salon in Sherman Oaks for an amazing 70 bucks!

How the Other Half Spends

Posted April 4th, 2011 by kyla

We at Cloops may be all about saving money – but that doesn’t mean we don’t love ourselves some stories from the “How the Other Half Lives” files. You know – the people who have $11,000 to drop … on a car wash.

Most Expensive Haircut: $800
Orlando Pita, a New York City hairstylist, offers the most expensive haircut in the world, coming in at a whopping $800. Even at that price, Orlando’s salon – which caters to celebs like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow – has a long waiting list.
For the rest of us: Get a cut from a different celeb stylist, Naomi Abrahams, for only $50.

Most Expensive Sushi: $2,750
Angelito Araneta Jr., a chef from Manila, serves up sushi that isn’t much different than anything you might order at your local Japanese restaurant – except his is covered in gold leaf and .20 carat African diamonds. Bon appetit!
For the rest of us: Get $40 worth of delectable sushi for only $20.

Most Expensive Shoes: $3,000,000 Harry Winston crafted these slippers to commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz. They are encrusted with 4,600 rubies that total 1,350 carats, in addition to 50 carats of diamonds. That’s what we call some bling-tastic footwear.
For the rest of us: Nu Shuz carries adorable, trendy footwear priced between $20-$35 a pair. Get $35 to spend in this shop for just $17.

Most Expensive Carwash: $11,600 Gurcharn Sahota’s detailing service in the UK takes up to 250 hours to clean some of the world’s most expensive autos. He uses over 100 different cleaning solutions and checks for the most minute of scratches with a computerized microscope usually reserved for forensic scientists.
For the rest of us: Get your car as clean as new with an executive auto detail for just $25.

Drive-Thru Weddings, Pizza Flavored Beer, & Other Awesome Ways to Save Time

Posted March 28th, 2011 by kyla

They say that time is more important than money, since you can always get more money but you can’t get more time. We’d like to politely disagree. There’s no reason you can’t have more money and more time…and it just so happens we have plenty of deals that’ll let you do just that!

Save time:If there’s anything Americans love, it’s the ability to get stuff done without leaving their car. From drive-thru wedding chapels to a drive-thru strip club, this great country lets you do just about anything without having to un-buckle your seatbelt. ATM Cleaners has a number of West L.A. locations modeled after one of America’s most popular drive-thrus: the ATM! Drop off and pick up your laundry 24/7 at an automated kiosk.
Save money: $28 worth of super handy dry cleaning services for just $18 at ATM Cleaners

Save time: When Veruca Salt chewed a piece of gum containing the flavors of a three-course dinner in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, busy people everywhere found themselves thinking what a time-saver that would be. Food makers thought the same thing, and from pre-mixed peanut butter and jelly to pizza flavored beer, people can enjoy two flavors at once. How handy! At Hanks Bistro in Lawndale, you can enjoy two very distinct styles of cuisine under one roof – they serve delicious Italian classics and mouth-watering Persian fare.
Save money: $10 for $20 worth of Italian and Persian cuisine at Hank’s Bistro

Save time: Looking fabulous takes time – sometimes a lot of time. Women everywhere are constantly on the lookout for ways to shave minutes off their get-ready routines. From eyeliner to lipstick, permanent make-up is an option for ladies who want to look camera ready 24/7. A less extreme time-saver is the Japanese eyelash perm, which gives lashes a semi-permanent curl, eliminating the need for mascara. Kasai Hair in Manhattan Beach offers Brazilian Blowout to tame frizzy or curly hair, saving you countless hours of flat-ironing.
Save money: Get a Brazilian Blowout worth $350 at the upscale Kasai Hair salon for just $175

Save time:If you still find yourself without enough minutes in the day to check off everything on your to-do list, consider buying the best time-saver of all: time itself! For the past 5 years, Buying Time has been helping busy people and businesses save time on everything from grocery shopping to organization to virtual assistance. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that!
Save money: Get $70 worth of time from Buying Time, LLC for just $35!