Deals in Hollywood

Yes, it’s true: the water that surrounds San Francisco is cold. Even in July, or come September when it feels like the Pacific should have had all the time it needs to come up to a reasonable temperature. To escape a cobalt-blue ocean that looks pretty but feels like Nova Scotia, San Francisco has a number of on-land options for doing laps. Just keep in mind that all of the city’s pools close at staggered intervals during the winter, sometimes for a month or more. Recreate the summers of your youth at Hamilton Aquatic Center’s superb, heated indoor facility in Lower Pacific Heights. There are waterslides for kids and adults alike, and the cost of admission is only $5. Better still, it’s just $1 if you’re under seventeen! For anyone just learning to swim or looking to take in a bit of casual aquatic exercise, head to Sava Pool in the Sunset neighborhood. The recently renovated space is now a full-blown poured concrete natatorium, flooded with sunlight and mostly shallow, which is ideal for anyone with child safety pool concerns. If you’re looking to avoid the public pools altogether, grab a towel and make for Club One at Yerba Buena. Conveniently located in the part of SoMa that bleeds into the Financial District, this outdoor facility opens early and closes late, which is perfect for the nearby office workers looking to take in a lap or two. A day pass will set you back $20, but that’s what you’ll pay for an hour at most saunas – and at a constant 82 degrees, Club One’s pool keeps swimmers feeling nearly as toasty. But if you’re really feeling adventurous, there’s always Aquatic Park near Fort Mason. The stretch of beach isn’t exactly boundless, but on all but the hottest of summer days you’re likely to be one of only a handful there to dip your toes into the water. Splash around in the bay for as long as you can, then grab a towel and let the sun’s rays return your core temperature to normal. And hey, at least it’s free, right?

Buying, preparing, and eating produce from the farmers' market is nutritious, supports the local and organic movement, and is good for the environment. But it also alleviates the mundane weekly grocery store run to a much more enjoyable experience. The farmers' market is a place for discovery, for meeting and conversing with farmers, and for tasting things to tickle your tastebuds. Visiting the farmers' market can be part of the weekly grocery store rounds, or it can be a once-in-a-while sensory experience focused on tasting samples of more savory and baked goods. San Francisco is fortunate enough to have multiple, year-round farmers' markets available, each with its own local growers and food finds. Here is a list of 5 Year-Round Farmers' Markets in SF: Ferry Building Farmers' Market Ferry Plaza (One Ferry Building, SF) | Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday | Year-Round | Tues/Thurs 10a-2p & Sat 8a-2p This waterfront farmers' market has over 120 food and produce vendors, and provides breathtaking views of the bay bridge. The Ferry Building, which is already a foodie-heaven of artisan shops and gourmet food, gets turned into a food mecca by the farmers and local growers when the market is open. A must-visit, whether to taste the savory cooked foods, or to buy fresh, local, organic produce. UN Plaza Farmers' Market UN Plaza (1182 Market St., SF) | Every Sunday & Wednesday | Year-Round | Sun 7a-5p & Wed 7a-5:30p Located in the heart of the city, this award-winning market is known for its affordable prices. This bazaar is committed to bringing local, sustainable food to San Francisco's urban communities. With over 50 farmers and almost 20 hot food and specialty item vendors, it is definitely fulfilling its mission. Mission Community Farmers' Market Mission Community Market (Bartlett St. & 22nd St., SF) | Every Thursday | Year-Round | 4-8p Located in the Mission District, this is a community-oriented market that takes place rain or shine (with just a 6 week break for winter). They are so much more than just a farmers' market -- offering after-school programs, performances by local musicians, dance classes, and a "play street" for kids. A non-profit organization that relies on community support, this farmers' market is aiming to change the community by promoting economic security and family health. Noe Valley Farmers' Market Noe Valley Ministry Parking Lot (3861 24th St., SF) | Every Saturday | Year-Round | 8a-1p Run entirely by community volunteers, this market was organized in response to the closing of a nearby natural foods store. The market is organized around three principles: 1) Build Community, 2) Provide Healthy Food, and 3) Support a Vibrant Local Small Farm Economy. Stroll into the market on Saturday mornings and find organic fresh-squeezed juice, grass-fed beef, honey, bread, pastries and pies, almonds, dried fruit, Indian, Nepalese and Mexican food, and of course - locally grown produce. Alemany Farmer's Market 1000 Alemany Blvd., SF | Every Saturday | Year-Round | Dawn-Dusk The Alemany Farmers' Market, also known as "the people's market" and the "granddaddy of all farmers' markets," is the oldest farmers' market in the Bay Area. Founded in 1943, this market is affordable and historic, as farmers' have been selling there for 2 and 3 generations. With colorful stalls and free parking, this market has a home at the crux of many vibrant SF neighborhoods and has a warm, community feel.

Meghan Doyle has been styling hair in San Francisco for four years—or 16 consecutive seasons. She’s no stranger to the challenges of the warmer months, when the heat and the fog team up to stress out your tresses. So, with August fast approaching, we visited Salon V (1609 Vallejo St.) and asked her how to maintain happy, healthy summer hair. GROUPON: When the days get longer and the nights shorter, how can we keep our tips top-notch? MEGHAN DOYLE: Instead of getting a full haircut every six to eight weeks, in the summer opt for a professional deep condition, blow-dry, and “dusting” of the ends with scissors every three to four weeks. You'll get the extra moisture from the treatment, and keep your ends looking constantly fresh without losing length. At home, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner in these warm, sunny months. I love and use Pureology’s hydrating formula in the salon—it’s also sulfate-free. GROUPON: Summer means lots of sunshine, but too much sun can cause hair color to fade. What do you recommend to preserve a do’s hue? MD: During your first color service of the summer, add on a color sealing treatment. It’s going to make those dollars you just spent on that perfect summer shade go a long way. Keep the moisture intact with quality hydrating products and keep your head covered with a hat, scarf, or turban when you are in direct sunlight for long periods of time. (Think: pool, river, beach, festivals, parks, etc.) At your “end of the summer” color service, splurge again and add on a clarifying prep treatment before your color. It will help get the summer buildup, like product and mineral deposits, out of your strands and off your scalp, preparing your hair for a bright fall color. GROUPON: For those of us with frizz-prone hair, how can we, as you so elegantly word it, give the finger to Karl the Fog? MD: Begin your style with a frizz-free product, then give yourself a good blowout. Use a brush, work in small sections, and keep the air flowing in the direction of the hair growth to keep the cuticle down. This creates the silky-smooth look we all want. If hair starts to act up after being out in Karl for a while, change course and twist or braid it into a low chignon. Always keep a few pins on you just in case. And lastly, sometimes we just need to embrace the foggy hair—big is beautiful. This interview has been condensed and edited.