Friday Finds: Eat Out. Check In. Feed Chicago, Best Fan Letter Ever & More

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A while back I wrote a post about apps/sites for microdonations including Snoball . Using the platform, you can create a parameter for giving known as a ‘Snoball.’ A Snoball is basically a small donation that compounds over time and with more givers. For instance, you can pledge $1 every time you buy a coffee, you can ask others to join you, and over time it can build into a pretty good sum!

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is running a Snoball campaign. You just sign up to make a pledge online, link it to the Food Depository, and set a small donation amount. After that, every time you check in at a restaurant through Facebook or Foursquare, you’ll automatically make a donation in that amount — and you’ll feed hungry people throughout Cook County.

While enjoying a great Chicago meal, you’ll know you’ve helped a hungry neighbor get a meal, too. In a city known for great food and great restaurants, lets also be a city known for fighting hunger. When you go out to eat, you can be a part of the solution to hunger. Sign up or learn more at “Eat Out. Check In. Feed Chicago.”.

Screen Shot 2013-01-16 at 8.28.49 PMOK – I am late to the party on this because it was a pre-Super Bowl thing, but I LOVED it, so humor me. Check out this video of a Baltimore Ravens fan reading a very special letter that he wrote to Coach Harbough and some awesome clips of the coach and players, too. It is worth your 4 minutes – trust me!

Screen Shot 2013-01-16 at 8.28.49 PMThinking of running the Chicago Marathon? Sign up fast on 2/19 when it opens because it is likely to sell out! Do you want to run for an important cause on an inaugural fundraising team? Check out a team to help end domestic violence sponsored by the Metropolitan Chicago Domestic Violence Services:

47Before signing up through the usual channels on Tuesday, February 19th, please click on this link to identify that you will be running for the team (select the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network in the drop-down list). The fundraising minimum is only $400. They may have numbers available in case of a sell out for a higher fundraising minimum.
Screen Shot 2013-01-16 at 8.28.49 PMAnd it would not be Friday without a few deals!
> Gilt City has some great deals this week, as usual!
– Hey Chicago ladies, want an excuse to dress up, get made up and treated to exclusive gifts and cocktails? Check out the ‘Baileys + Benefit = Your Red Carpet Glow’ event on Thursday 2/21 at the Vertigo Lounge. For $60 you get drinks and treats from Baileys, $40 Benefit certificate, $20 Uber certificate, eyebrow way, make up and entertaining tips, giveaways and gift bags from some Gilt faves (Shred 415 is among them!)
– In Chicago, check out great spa deals at Savon in Lakeview and there is still time for inexpensive classes and deals on other services at Exhale Spa.
– In NYC, check out great deals at LAZ Parking, Savor spa in Chelsea or an “Orchid Evening” at the New York Botanical Garden.
– Lots more at Gilt City.

> On the go? Living Social has $20 for $40 at GoPicnic for nutritious meals on the go. Great for travelers!

nb-life-trnr-spibelt-hm-web_2> Hey Runners and Athletes, Gearbuzz has a great deal on a New Balance LifeTRNr. It “brings the latest in fitness technology in a sleek, reversible band design. The Life TRNr tracks your calories with an advanced calorie monitor, records your steps / distance with a pedometer feature and gives heart rate WITHOUT a chest strap!” It comes with a free Spibelt and free shipping. Looks cool. I would love to know how well this works – I have not found any reviews online but dream of a good HRM without a strap – don’t you?

> Have a great photo that you’d like to turn into a masterpiece? Bloomspot has $52 for $150 at Canvas to Art. They also have other great local and travel deals here

OK – that’s all for now! Have a great weekend and don’t forget to “like” my page on Facebook for a chance to win some Tees for Change or Smart Wool gloves – check out rules and leave a comment HERE.