Friday Finds: Follow Friends & Feeds, Numbers for March & Great Deals

If you have read my blog a bit or know me, you may notice that I am a bit of a social media junkie. I guess it is better than some addictions to have, but it can be a bit of a drag for my husband and friends when I am glued to my screens. 😉 This week, I was introduced to two awesome sites to fuel my fire — but in an organized way. So that’s good right? Regardless of my issues, I think you should check out Newsle and Feedly ASAP!

What is Newsle?
Screen Shot 2013-02-28 at 7.59.34 PMThe folks at Pure Wow said, “Think of Newsle as your cheat sheet for knowing when friends and colleagues make the news.” When you sign up on the website, you can automatically import your contacts from your email, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. The site creates an instant feed of all of your contacts’ recent public mentions. It pulls stories from major and minor papers, news sites and blogs.

Then, when a contact gets some press, Newsle sends you an email alert and a link to the corresponding story. You can also follow public figures and people you are interested in knowing more about. Plus, you can see what is being written about (or by) you!

I normally am wary of connecting my contacts to an outside site so I started with Linked In for my professional network. I was pretty wowed with the results. I have some interesting and impressive professional contacts. I think you should check it out, too! It is great for job seekers and networkers and those who are interested in easily keeping tabs.

What is Feedly?
Screen Shot 2013-02-28 at 8.13.05 PM Feedly is a website and app that aggregates Google Reader, Facebook and Twitter in a smart, flexible way. Here is the review of a recent upgrade from the Verge: “Feedly’s mobile app is a solid tool for checking out your Google Reader, Facebook, and Twitter feeds on the go, and its latest redesign attempts to merge that ability with the look and feel of social reading apps. Available today on both iOS and Android, the updated version of Feedly features a new look akin to apps like Flipboard, with an emphasis on a clean interface and big, bold images. By combining this with the relative flexibility of RSS, the developers believe that the app now offers the best of both worlds, giving users more reading options in a prettier package.

Maybe I am late to the party on this one, but I added the app to my phone and linked to my Google Reader and Twitter feed. I am totally SOLD on this app for catching up on all of my blogs and newsfeeds on the go! I also added my twitter feed to mix things up. I think this is a great aggregator and it is very visually appealing and functional, too!

Have you tried Newlse or Feedly? I think you should!Screen Shot 2013-01-16 at 8.28.49 PM logopdsiteI somehow wound up on the mailing list for daily tips from a blog called Peaceful Daily. Peaceful Daily is “an on-line destination for peaceful living”. Their mantra is “Think Good. Eat Whole. Walk Far.” Who can’t use a bit more peace? And, I am down with that mantra… I really liked this post, and though I am not sure I believe in numerology, I am pretty keen to see what happens in the month ahead!

Let Go and Let Love In by Kari Samuels

“They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. Energetically, this month will come in like a kitty cat and go out like a ram.

The Universe is conspiring to help you love yourself. The keys to happiness are forgiveness, compassion, and gratitude. You have an opportunity to practice these spiritual arts all month long. March is the 3rd month of the year. 2013 is a 6 Universal Year (2+0+1+3 = 6), and March 2013 is a 9 Universal Month (3 for March + 6 for 2013 = 9).

In numerology, 3, 6, and 9 encourage emotional sensitivity and expression. Since 9 is the last of the single digits, it is considered the end of a cycle. They say a cup must be empty before it can be filled. You must love your past in order to let it go. You must let go of your past in order to make room for a joyous future.

To make peace with your past, you can bless it. Say a prayer, forgiving yourself for any missed opportunities, love lost, or anger provoked. Let the waters of forgiveness wash over you like gentle rain from heaven. Send gratitude to all the people in your life who were essential to you becoming the amazing person you are today.

Thank yourself for all the love you have created and positive energy you have generated. As you head into spring, the new YOU will be ready to emerge more colorful, blissful and radiant than before.”

I like this sentiment – what do you think? Do you believe in numerology? or that you have to let go to move ahead? Screen Shot 2013-01-16 at 8.28.49 PM And… it’s Friday, so here are some fun deals (and a few giveaways for good measure)!
530x300.1 > Click HERE to enter the Eco-Fitness Giveaway from Ethical Ocean, Fit Frosting and Greatist! You can win 1 of 3 prizes of $400 in apparel and gear.

> Check out Nutritionella’s great give away for an outfit from Albion Fit. If you don’t win, Albion Fit is offering an exclusive discount to Nutritionella’s readers of $15 off any purchases of $50 or more with the code nutritionella15 through this coming Monday, March 4th.

> In Chicago Mucho Better is promoting a great deal to celebrate Village Yoga’s new Lincoln Park studio. Get these limited time offers:
– New clients get 1-month unlimited for $49 (62% off); $30 off 10 classes available to ALL.
– Classes at new Lincoln Park studio are free until Tuesday 3/5. Click HERE for al of the details!

> It must be February in Chicago, as I am ready to hit the road. I noticed some great deals at Jetsetter and Excursionist today. (These are free, members only sites that are worth checking out if you have serious wanderlust like I do!)

> Check out this great offer from SpaFinder Now: 50% Off All-Natural, Earth-Friendly Skincare Products from Sumbody

> Like movies? Me, too! Check out this great offer from Daily Candy Deals: $7 for a movie ticket from Fandango (and $10 for 2 if you have Outlook.com, hotmail or live.com accounts).

> In Chicago and like fad fun races runs? Check out this Zozi deal on the Rave Run on 4/27. Looks, um, fun!

> Bloomspot has great deals on photo books from Photobin. Check out deals in major metro cities, other online and travel deals from Bloomspot HERE.

> As usual, Gilt City does not disappoint with some cool new deals this week, too!
In Chicago:
– As I mentioned on Tuesday, they have a great deal on a 7 day or 5 day trial of healthy meal delivery from Green Gourmet Chicago. I have ordered this several times and get deliveries a few days a week. Check out my review HERE.
– Need a new workout? Get over 75% off on 4 or 8 training sessions from Hard Pressed or check out $50 for 5 or $90 for 10 spin classes at Go Cycle’s new location on North Ave.
In NYC:
– Get 40% off of 10 course tasting dinner for 2 or a vegetarian dinner for 2 at Betel in the West Village.
– See great deals on ICE cooking classes for 2 in the “Just Married and Cooking” series
– and many more great NYC deals.

OK – that’s more than enough for now! I hope you all have a great weekend and find whatever you are looking for!